forbes.com

Real Madrid Boss Ancelotti Sees This Similarity With 2023/2024 Team After Rayo Vallecano Thriller

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said that his men "couldn't do more" after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday.

Furthermore, the Italian underlined a similarity he sees in his current side and the treble winners of 2023/2024.

The plan was for Madrid to win in Vallecas, and therefore move a point clear of bitter rival FC Barcelona at the top of the table ahead of the Catalans hosting Leganes at Montjuic in the late Sunday night game in Spain.

Things couldn't have gotten off to a worse start when Rayo went 2-0 ahead, though Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham fired back close to half time.

Rodrygo put the visitors 3-2 up approaching the hour mark, meaning Madrid could dream of all three points and successfully pulling off a winning comeback.

As Isi Palazon netted eight minutes later, however, fans were instead treated to a thriller where a draw seemed like a fair result when all was done and dusted.

"We couldn't have done more," Ancelotti said post-match. "I see a good future. I was nervous about the draw against Mallorca or Las Palmas, but not today because I have seen a team. It is a draw from a team that is supportive and has competed. I leave satisfied," he insisted.

"On Wednesday we have to win the Intercontinental Cup final, it would be the icing on the cake," Ancelotti then added.

Ancelotti revealed his belief that the current Madrid side side now has "the commitment and attitude of last year".

"I see a very good 2025 - although I could be wrong - with desire and enthusiasm. We're in the fight for everything and we're fine, despite the many difficulties we've had due to injuries.

"Today we've started without many starting players, up to seven. The team will be much better when everyone returns," he promised.

On Vinicius Jr., Ancelotti felt that the referee that booked him should have awarded a "very clear" penalty to a player who didn't start because of his recent return from a knock.

"We preferred to give him the second half when there was a little less intensity. He did well, he delivered. He had two chances to score and he played a good game," Ancelotti concluded on the Ballon d'Or runner up.

Read full news in source page