“No one expected it” - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti makes feelings clear about Barcelona’s poor run of form

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has opened up on Barcelona's recent run of poor form. The Catalans have registered just two wins in the league since the start of November 2024.

Hansi Flick's team have lost four and drawn two of the eight games in the league during that period. Barcelona have subsequently dropped down to third in the LaLiga table after 19 games, three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have game in hand.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are second in the league, two points ahead of the Catalans, with a game in hand. Carlo Ancelotti's team had a shaky start to the season but remain in the title race right now.

Hansi Flick's team, meanwhile, started the campaign with a bang, winning 13 of their first 16 games. However, they now look like a shadow of the team that blew away opposition at the start of the season.

Speaking to the press, Ancelotti pointed out that no one expected the Catalans to struggle this campaign, saying (via Madrid Xtra):

"Bad moment of Barcelona? I think no one expected it after the great level they showed at the beginning," said Ancelotti.

Real Madrid have picked up the pace of late in the league, winning three of their last five games in the league. However, Atletico Madrid are the in-form team in LaLiga this season and have won all of their last five games.

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Have Real Madrid faced Barcelona this season?

Hansi Flick

Real Madrid and Barcelona have already locked horns in the season's first El Clasico this season. The two Spanish heavyweights clashed at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of October last year.

Los Blancos added Kylian Mbappe to their ranks this summer but it was the Catalans who came out on top in the game. Hansi Flick's team took the lead through Robert Lewandowski in the 54th minute of the game.

The Pole then doubled the score two minutes later. Real Madrid rallied for an equalizer but it eluded them on the night.

Instead, Barcelona went 3-0 up in the 77th minute through Lamine Yamal. Raphinha also found the back of the net in the 84th minute to register a historic win for the away side.

Interestingly, Los Blancos also lost the following game against AC Milan in the Champions League, adding to speculation regarding Carlo Ancelotti's future. The Italian manager's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in 2026.