“We didn’t think we would lose like this” - Luka Modric reacts to Real Madrid suffering 5-2 loss against Barcelona

Real Madrid were condemned to a 5-2 defeat by arch-rivals Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final on Sunday, January 12, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Midfielder Luka Modric reflected on the loss after the game, saying the team weren't expecting an off day.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the game with a fifth-minute strike before Barcelona hit back, scoring four first-half goals. Raphinha added another for the Blaugrana three minutes after the restart.

The game seemed to be taking a crucial turn when Wojciech Szczęsny was sent off in the 56th minute. But Barcelona held on and Real Madrid weren't as penetrative as they'd have liked, getting just one goal back to lose 5-2.

After the game, Modric opened up on the defeat, saying:

"I hope we react after this tough defeat, because we didn't think we would lose like this. It's a good thing that the Copa match is coming soon so we don't have much time to complain."

Real Madrid will next be in action in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, where they will face Celta Vigo on Thursday, January 16, at the Santiago Bernabeu. Barcelona will play Real Betis at the same stage of the cup competition on Wednesday.

Carlo Ancelotti blames poor defending for Real Madrid's 5-2 v Barcelona

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti suggested that his side did not defend well in their 5-2 hammering at the hands of Barcelona in the Supercup final. Reflecting on the loss, he said in the post-match press conference (via ESPN):

"We have to look at the reality. We didn't defend well. We tried to press high and defend with a low block. They scored the goals easily, and we didn't work hard, collectively or individually.

"We lost a lot of duels. That makes us sad and disappointed, but that's football. We have to take that sadness home. I understand the sadness of our fans. We feel that, but we have to look forward, and prepare for the next game, and recover the good form we'd been in."

Ancelotti added:

"I won't name anyone, I'm talking about the whole team. We didn't defend well, we weren't compact, and we have to defend better ... We had an extra man [after Szczesny's red card] and we couldn't find solutions. But that doesn't hurt more, I'm sad about the game as a whole."

Real Madrid return to LaLiga action on Sunday, January 19, when they welcome Las Palmas. They are currently second on the league table, one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are third, five points behind Los Blancos. The Catalan giants next play in the league on Saturday, January 18, away against Getafe.