MUNICH – Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was disappointed with his players’ attitude, calling them “soft” for defending too deep in their 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich in their Champions League semi-final, first leg on April 30.
The Italian was critical of his team’s commitment after Vinicius Jr’s first-half goal gave them the lead but Bayern struck twice in four minutes early in the second half to turn the game around, before Vinicius equalised from the penalty spot late on.
“The result is good, but on a level of play we could have done better. Bayern showed their best version and we didn’t. We have to improve for next week,” an introspective Ancelotti told Movistar Plus+.
“In the first half we defended, but with little intensity. In the second half when they took the lead we started to press a bit more, but not enough.
“The feeling was that we were comfortable, but we lacked intensity. We gave them too many chances to take control of the game. We didn’t want to play in a low block and we went on doing that. We were soft.”
Ancelotti also defended his decision to substitute midfielder Toni Kroos, who set up Vinicius’ opener with a brilliant pass and was arguably Real’s best player.
He said that he made four substitutions in an effort to shake his team up and was relieved that they ended up scoring the equaliser that he believes “left the tie open” for the return leg in Madrid on May 8.
“Jude Bellingham had a cramp, Toni Kroos played a spectacular game, but the plan was to try to recover control of the game by putting fresh legs in,” the 64-year-old added.
“As always, we have a great opportunity to play in another final. It’s an even tie against a great team. It will be another 90 minutes of suffering but in an atmosphere that we know quite well. The fans are going to help us.”
Vinicius gave Real the lead after 24 minutes but Bayern wrestled back control to the delight of their fans – Leroy Sane with a stunning goal and Harry Kane converting a penalty.
But Kim Min-jae then fouled Rodrygo in the box with seven minutes remaining and Vinicius stepped up and made no mistake, drowning out a chorus of boos and whistles to blast home.
“In this competition it’s important not to lose, and we’re here because we haven’t lost yet,” said Vinicius. “I’m very happy I was able to score two goals, and now we need to have a magical night at home.”
The draw makes Real favourites to progress in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu but Bayern, who dominated large parts of the match, will still have hope of making it to the Wembley final in June.
Kane, who is yet to claim a piece of team silverware despite a glittering individual career, said his team were primed for next week.
“It’s amazing. We’ll play Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Champions League. This is the experience I came here for and to have this opportunity is something I am really excited about,” he said.
“It’s 0-0. There’s one game to take you to Wembley. We’ve got a great opportunity here.”
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, who eliminated Real in the semi-finals on his way to winning the tournament as Chelsea manager in 2021, added: “The winner takes it all.
“It’s possible. It’s one of the most complicated places to win a match. The goal is clear. We need to be courageous, confident and clinical.” REUTERS, AFP
