Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed disappointment following his side’s shock defeat to Real Betis, admitting they were second-best throughout the match.
Despite carrying a 2-0 first-leg advantage from their win at Santiago Bernabéu, Los Blancos entered the clash as favorites. Their early dominance was evident when Brahim Díaz opened the scoring within the first ten minutes, raising expectations of a comfortable victory that would propel them back to the top of the league.
However, Betis fought back, leveling through a powerful header from Johnny Cardoso before former Real Madrid star Isco sealed the win from the penalty spot.
Ancelotti’s Reaction
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti did not hold back in his criticism, admitting his side were well below their usual standards.
“We deserved to lose; we didn’t play at our level,” he told reporters. “If we play like this against Atlético Madrid, we will not win.”
With a crucial Champions League round of 16 clash against city rivals Atlético Madrid midweek, Ancelotti is now concerned about his team’s form heading into the decisive encounter.
