Real Madrid were held to a 3-3 draw away to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night
Los Blancos missed the chance to overtake Barcelona at the top of La Liga
LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Mason Mount? Marcus Rashford? Joshua Zirkzee? Who should Manchester United sell to raise funds?
By FERNANDO KALLAS, REUTERS and YASEEN ZAMAN
Published: 19:04 EST, 14 December 2024 | Updated: 19:04 EST, 14 December 2024
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lamented his side's defensive mistakes and missed opportunities in their 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, but said he was not worried about the result, praising his players' effort.
Despite acknowledging the lack of focus in defence, Ancelotti said he saw plenty of positives from his side who he believes are moving in the right direction.
Madrid missed the chance to move above leaders Barcelona in La Liga as they stay second on 37 points from 17 matches, one behind the Catalans who host Leganes on Sunday when Atletico, in third-place on 35 from 16 games, welcome Getafe.
Jude Bellingham continued his stellar record in front of goal after scoring in the 45th minute to level the game.
The 21-year-old has now netted six times and provided four assists in 13 league games this season.
'It was a complete game, which also included many errors, but I thought we didn't suffer as much as the final result would suggest,' Ancelotti said.
Carlo Ancelotti explained that he remains optimistic about Real Madrid's chances next year
Jude Bellingham continued his bright form in front of goal, scoring on the stroke of half-time
Rayo Vallecano earned a vital point against the champions, moving further from the drop zone
'I was much more worried about those draws against Mallorca and Las Palmas... Now we have the attitude and commitment of last year and that is promising.
'I look ahead and I see a 2025 that is very positive, although I could be wrong. It's very good, with the players showing a lot of desire and enthusiasm.
'We're in the hunt for everything we're playing for. We're doing well, despite the many difficulties we've had due to injuries. Today we started without a lot of first-team players, up to seven. When they all come back, the team will be much better.'
Defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will be sidelined for several months with ACL tears suffered early in the season while David Alaba is still to return from the same injury, sustained last year. Forward Kylian Mbappe, fullback Ferland Mendy and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga have short-term injuries.
Ancelotti defended his decision to leave winger Vinicius Jr on the bench from the start as he did not want to risk any setbacks after the Brazilian returned only last week after missing four games with a leg muscle injury.
'He was coming back from injury and we wanted to be careful with him. I thought he played a good game,' Ancelotti said.
'It was hard to see my players giving more than they gave today. I see a good future ahead.'
The champions next face Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup, before hosting Sevilla in La Liga next Sunday.
Carlo AncelottiReal Madrid