Real Madrid: Ancelotti reacts to shock Getafe defeat

Real Madrid’s unbeaten run ended in their first game after the winter break.

Getafe defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in their La Liga game on Sunday. An early goal from Enes Unal was enough for the hosts to beat Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Real Madrid dominated most of the game, but they lacked enough composure to turn the game around.

In a post-match interview, Ancelotti spoke about his side’s performance.

“We reacted well for 10 minutes after the goal and then became nervous,” Ancelotti said (via Marca). “We lost balls and battles.

“There’s not a lot to say about the game. We stayed on holidays for an extra day. We weren’t the same team that ended the year.

“We were less focused, less committed. A draw would have been fair because we didn’t deserve to lose, but we gifted a goal and we lost.

“It could be a wake-up call. We seemed like we were still on holidays.”

Real Madrid had several attacking players out with COVID-19. However, Ancelotti decided to keep Eden Hazard on the bench. Another surprising decision was Marcelo’s presence in the starting lineup.

“We decided to play with [Marco] Asensio and Rodrygo [Goes],” Ancelotti explained. “I preferred to start with them.

“I knew they wouldn’t last 90 minutes because of the COVID situation, that’s why I left Hazard for the second half and he was brilliant when he came on, linking well with Marcelo.”

Next up for Real Madrid is a Copa del Rey game against Alcoyano on Wednesday. The Blancos will then meet Valencia in La Liga three days later.