As Real Madrid mend their wounds after a disheartening exit from the Champions League quarter-finals, manager Carlo Ancelotti faces the task of motivating his squad to close the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona.
The reigning European champions were decisively beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal, showcasing little real threat across both legs—causing significant concern as Real trails Barcelona by four points in LaLiga.
What is likely to trouble Ancelotti even further is the fact that his team has managed to secure only one win in their past five matches in all competitions—a narrow 1-0 victory against relegation-threatened Alaves last weekend.
Kylian Mbappe, who has been Real’s top scorer this season with 33 goals, received a red card in that match and will be unavailable for the upcoming home clash against Athletic Club, currently positioned fourth in the standings.
Real will also be hoping that Barcelona slips up against Celta Vigo the day before, or they will find themselves facing a daunting seven-point deficit to the leaders heading into their match against Athletic, a side that has lost just once in their last 22 league outings, having beaten Real 2-1 in December.
It’s little wonder that Ancelotti’s position is precarious ahead of the Copa del Rey final later this month—a Clasico against Barcelona.
“It could be this year, next year, or when my contract expires (in June 2026)… There are no issues regarding my future,” Ancelotti remarked when questioned about his tenure as Real’s manager.
“When my time here concludes, I will always be grateful to this club. Whether that is tomorrow, in a year, or in a decade, my gratitude will remain. That’s definitive.”
“We have performed admirably in recent seasons, but this year has presented its challenges. Things haven’t unfolded as anticipated, but that’s sport for you—there are no invincible teams.”
Barcelona eyeing treble
Barcelona experienced their own disappointment on Tuesday, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund—marking their first loss of 2025. Coach Hansi Flick had to provide a dose of perspective for his players.
Having convincingly defeated last year’s finalists 4-0 in the first leg, Barca progressed to the semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate victory and will now face Inter Milan.
“The team deserves a lot of credit. There is still much to achieve and we haven’t reached the finish line,” he stated.
“In the dressing room, there was no overjoyed atmosphere. I reminded them that we have reached the semi-finals. That shifted their mood somewhat, and they seemed happier.”
Barcelona will be eager to seek retribution when they welcome Celta Vigo, following their previous encounter where they squandered a two-goal lead to finish in a 2-2 draw—a match where Marc Casado was sent off.
In stark contrast to Real, Barcelona remains in contention for a treble during Flick’s inaugural season.
“I’m genuinely pleased with the team’s performance this season,” he remarked.
“We are still competing in three tournaments and are in the Champions League semi-final. That is a significant achievement, and we should be proud of it.”
Atletico pushing forward
Third-placed Atletico Madrid has an opportunity to draw level on points with their rivals Real when they face Las Palmas on Saturday.
Diego Simeone’s side has bounced back following a difficult spell in March with two consecutive victories in LaLiga.
Moreover, Simeone’s son, Giuliano, has emerged as an essential player this season, contributing five goals and seven assists, earning his spot in the starting XI.
“Honestly, I didn’t anticipate him performing at this level,” admitted Diego Simeone.
“I believed he could assist us, which is why I considered including him in the squad, but he’s enjoying an excellent season, and I hope he can keep this momentum going.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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