Real Madrid: Ancelotti explains bizarre Modric decision in Clasico mauling

To fill the void from Karim Benzema’s absence, Luka Modric started in an unfamiliar forward role.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has explained his decision to start Luka Modric in a more advanced role and also took responsibility for his side’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona on Sunday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, with Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres also on target, to help Barcelona record their biggest win at Real Madrid’s home ground since November 2015.

It was Los Blancos’ first defeat in La Liga since January 2, and only their third of the season. They remain, though, nine points clear of Sevilla at the top of the league table. Barcelona are a further three points back in third.

Barcelona scored two minutes later!

The new shape has Valverde right, Rodrygo as 9 and Modric deeper.

As well as that situation, well used by Barcelona, the Catalans pressured high with intent and orderly.

Real Madrid were never comfortable

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) March 20, 2022

Why did Modric start as a forward?

One of the surprise talking points was Ancelotti’s decision to start Modric as forward. With Karim Benzema sidelined with a calf injury, the Italian made a bold experiment – which he later admitted had failed.

“Playing Modric as a number 10 was intended to help play out from the back and find space behind the line with Rodrygo, Valverde, and Vini Jr. The setup didn’t work,” the Real Madrid manager said in his post-match press conference on Sunday night.

“I didn’t set up the team good enough to get to win. Barça were better than us and deserved to win.

“It’s not difficult for me to accept that I didn’t set the team up well. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t. I got it wrong in this game, but I’m not going to make a big thing out of it. It’s a defeat that hits us hard. We know how important a match against Barcelona is, especially for the fans.”

What next for Real Madrid?

Despite the nightmare defeat at home, Ancelotti’s men are still on course for La Liga glory. They resume their campaign April 2 away to Celta Vigo, before visiting Chelsea for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie four days later.