Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, remained defiant after his team’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, one of the heaviest losses for the club in recent memory. This scoreline matched the worst defeat Real Madrid has suffered in El Clasico since the legendary Johan Cruyff first faced them as a player for Barcelona in 1974. The win for Barcelona, orchestrated by coach Hansi Flick, was a significant moment that he dedicated to the fans.
A Defiant Ancelotti After Humbling Loss
Carlo Ancelotti maintained a firm stance in the aftermath of the defeat, defending his team’s performance despite the lopsided scoreline. Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, capitalized on a quick-fire brace from Robert Lewandowski, alongside goals from young sensation Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, to secure a resounding victory. The loss marked the end of Real Madrid’s impressive 42-match unbeaten run, just one match shy of matching Barcelona’s all-time record.
The Italian coach, however, dismissed the idea that his game plan had failed. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Ancelotti said, “I do not regret my game plan. I have been in football 48 years, so I’m not wrong when I tell you that the first half was good. It’s different from the loss against Lille. We were very bad that day. We competed today.”
Ancelotti admitted that Real Madrid’s lack of “intensity” was a factor, recalling their previous 1-0 defeat to Lille in the UEFA Champions League, which had been their first loss of the season. “We have to learn from this. Self-criticism is fundamental. But we don’t throw everything in the bin,” he continued. “Last time we lost 4-0 to Barcelona, we went on to win La Liga and the Champions League. We fight on.”
Barcelona Fans Deserve This, Says Flick
Hansi Flick, the Barcelona coach, was quick to highlight the importance of the victory for the club’s supporters. After the match, he dedicated the triumph to the fans, marking Barcelona’s first La Liga win at the Bernabeu since March 2022. Flick, who has had a strong start as Barcelona’s manager, boasting ten wins and just one defeat, also guided the team to a 4-1 victory against his former club Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Reflecting on the game, Flick stated, “Today was a good step for us. We beat one of the best teams in the world. How am I living this moment? It’s not about me. It’s about the team, the fans, and the club. We are all happy, but now we are thinking about the fans because they deserve it. I always say that we want to improve, and today wasn’t easy, but we pushed through. We’re in a very good rhythm.”
Tactical Battle: High Line Success
Despite a first half where the momentum seemed to be with Real Madrid, Flick’s strategic high defensive line proved effective, catching the Madrid attackers offside twelve times, with eight of those coming in the first half alone. This approach disrupted Real Madrid’s rhythm and prevented them from creating clear chances.
Flick was pleased with how his defensive strategy worked, noting, “At half-time, I told them it was important to keep up the pressure and have more ball control. We always play with our final four very high and in the situation with the goals, because the referees don’t whistle it always looks dangerous, but it’s not dangerous. So this is the point I don’t like so much.”
Touchline Tensions
During the match, a moment of tension flared between the two managers, particularly after Raphinha sealed the victory with Barcelona’s fourth goal. Flick and his staff were seen celebrating exuberantly, which led to a heated exchange between Ancelotti and a member of the Barcelona bench. Flick later acknowledged that the celebrations may have been overly enthusiastic and expressed his willingness to address the matter.
“It’s normal. When you celebrate a goal, maybe not everything is right. But I think we are old enough to speak about that,” said Flick, downplaying the incident. Ancelotti, in his press briefing, clarified that his issue was not directly with Flick but rather with one of his assistant coaches. “What happened with Hansi Flick? No problem with him, but one of his assistants did not behave like a gentleman in the celebrations. I told him that, and Flick agreed.”
The Road Ahead for Real Madrid and Barcelona
The defeat has raised questions about Real Madrid’s approach, especially as they face a crucial period in their season. Ancelotti’s side has been a formidable force, but the loss against Barcelona highlighted some weaknesses that need addressing. For fans of the club, the performance was a bitter pill to swallow, considering how dominant Barcelona were throughout the match.
For Barcelona, the win solidifies their position as a serious contender for the La Liga title this season. Under Flick’s guidance, the team has found a new rhythm and style, blending experienced stars with emerging talents like Lamine Yamal, who scored his first Clasico goal. The young forward’s performance was a bright spot, showing that Barcelona’s future is in capable hands.
With the league entering a critical phase, both teams will need to regroup and refocus. Real Madrid will be eager to bounce back and avoid letting this defeat affect their campaign. Meanwhile, Barcelona will aim to build on this success, using the momentum from their emphatic win to push forward in both domestic and European competitions.
Ancelotti’s Faith in His Approach
Despite the disappointment, Ancelotti’s post-match comments suggest that he remains confident in his team’s abilities. “We have faced tough losses before and have always come back stronger. This defeat, while hard to accept, does not change the fact that we are still a strong team,” he asserted. He stressed the importance of learning from such setbacks and moving forward without losing faith in their methods.
It is this resilience that has seen Real Madrid bounce back from tough moments time and time again. However, to prevent similar outcomes in the future, they will need to find solutions, especially in how they deal with high-pressing and aggressive tactics from teams like Barcelona.
A Victory for the Fans
For Barcelona, the win was not just a triumph on the field but also a moment of redemption. The fans, who have seen their team go through ups and downs, reveled in a performance that brought back memories of past glories. Hansi Flick’s dedication of the victory to the supporters was a poignant reminder of the deep connection between the club and its fanbase.
“Every win is for the fans, but today it felt even more special,” Flick mentioned. “To win in such a manner, against a great rival, is a moment that all of us, players and supporters alike, will cherish.”
Conclusion
El Clasico has always been more than just a match; it’s a symbol of rivalry, passion, and football excellence. Barcelona’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid was a masterclass in tactical execution, showing that the Blaugrana have found a new direction under Hansi Flick. For Real Madrid, the result was a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, but with a manager like Ancelotti at the helm, fans can be sure that the team will look to bounce back with determination and strength.
As both teams prepare for the next stage of their campaigns, this clash will serve as a defining moment. For now, Barcelona can savor a memorable win, while Real Madrid must regroup and prepare for the battles to come.
