Carlo Ancelotti gets 100% real on Real Madrid winning La Liga this season after 2-1 defeat to Valencia

Modified Apr 05, 2025 17:26 GMT

Carlo Ancelotti (left) and Real Madrid players (both GETTY)

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had no qualms admitting that his side's La Liga titles hopes took a hit following their 2-1 home defeat to Valencia on Saturday (April 5).

Mouctar Diakhaby's 15th-minute opener put the visitors ahead as they led at the break at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ancelotti's side restored parity through Vinicius Junior five minutes into the second period.

However, Hugo Duro's dramatic 95th-minute winner sealed all three points for Los Ches while dealing a hammer blow to Ancelotti's side's hopes of a successful title defence. The loss sees the holders stay three points behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand, with matchdays remaining.

"La Liga title? Now it's more difficult," Ancelotti offered a candid take on his side's league title hopes (as per Madrid Xtra).

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Interestingly, Real Madrid remain on course for a maiden continental treble after seeing off Real Sociedad 5-4 on aggregate to reach the Copa del Rey final, where they face arch-rivals Barca on April 26.

Before that, though, the holders must turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League, where they visit Arsenal on Tuesday (April 8) for the quarter-final first leg. In their only previous meeting in the competition, Ancelotti's side fell 1-0 on aggregate in the Round of 16 in the 2005-06 season.

Arsenal boss reflects on Everton draw ahead of Real Madrid clash

Arsenal's slim Premier League title hopes suffered a blow, as they dropped points in a 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday. They are now 11 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool (73), who have a game in hand.

The visitors started well, with Leandro Trossard firing them in front after 34 minutes, assisted by Raheem Sterling. The Toffees, though, hit back after the break, with Illiman Ndiaye hauling them back on level terms from the spot four minutes into the second period. With neither side finding a winner, a share of the spoils ensued.

"Especially with the result, I'm very unhappy," Arteta told TNT Sports (as per the BBC). "It is a tough place to come. They are a team that is very physical and direct.

"The start of the second half was very poor. We gave the ball away, were very insecure and then the decision with the penalty comes. For me, it is never a penalty.

The Gunners must now turn their attention quickly to Real Madrid, who visit the Emirates in three days' time in a marquee Champions League clash.

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Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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