Real Madrid’s hopes of securing the Copa Del Rey were dashed in a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Barcelona in Seville. After a hard-fought match that saw the teams battle to a 2-2 draw, Barcelona emerged victorious with a last-minute goal from Jules Kounde in extra time. Kounde’s expertly placed shot in the 116th minute left Thibaut Courtois helpless, sealing the win for the Catalan side. For Real Madrid, it was another painful defeat in a season already filled with challenges.
In his post-match interview, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti opened up about the key moments that led to the loss. He particularly focused on the crucial goal scored by Kounde, which came about due to a mix-up between Brahim Diaz and Luka Modric. Diaz’s pass was intended for Modric’s feet, but a miscommunication allowed Kounde to intercept the ball and make the decisive strike. Reflecting on the play, Ancelotti explained, “Brahim thought Modric had made a deep run, but the pass was supposed to reach his feet. It happens in football.”
Despite the disappointment, Ancelotti was quick to defend his team’s effort, stating that there were no major flaws in their performance. “Barcelona had the upper hand in the first half, but we were the better side in the second,” he said. “That goal we conceded was strange, it didn’t reflect the flow of the game.” Although visibly hurt by the result, the Italian tactician stressed that there was no room for blame, urging his team to focus on their upcoming challenges. “We gave everything out there, and I can’t fault the team’s commitment. Now, it’s time to focus on La Liga.”
Looking ahead, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign, with the team trailing Barcelona by four points. The upcoming Clasico on May 11 could be pivotal, offering Los Blancos a chance to narrow the gap. “We need to rest for a couple of days and then shift our focus to the league,” Ancelotti noted, encouraging the squad and the fans to remain optimistic.
Ancelotti was also asked about his future at the club, with several reports suggesting that his job could be on the line following this latest loss. In response, he remained ambiguous, stating, “Maybe I’ll stay, maybe I’ll leave, we’ll see.” Additionally, the Real Madrid coach was asked about Antonio Rudiger, who faced scrutiny after a reported altercation involving the referees following the match. Ancelotti clarified that Rudiger’s early substitution was purely due to exhaustion and not an injury. When questioned about the refereeing performance, Ancelotti chose not to comment, firmly stating, “No comment on the ref.”