Gattuso: “I won the World Cup on penalties, but we had bad luck today”
In a tense Spanish Super Cup clash, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that his team had earned a place in the final after a hard-fought draw with Valencia, ultimately clinching victory on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate and a 4-3 shootout. He described the performance as not the team’s cleanest showing, yet stressed that such states are not unusual at this level. Ancelotti noted that the World Cup break had influenced team rhythm and that the squad still managed to hold together when the going got tough. The match, he added, was demanding — a reminder that high-stakes games rarely come in easy packages. While Madrid could point to a stubborn opponent who defended well, the head coach admitted that the first half and the closing stages were below their best, even if the overall effort produced a satisfying result in the end.
“It wasn’t a physical issue because we finished the game with a renewed push to attack”, he said. “We’re simply not at peak condition yet, which is expected after the break. The aim is to rebuild fitness gradually while maintaining focus.” The coach also highlighted the practical challenge posed by player availability. With Lucas Vázquez sidelined and some players carrying minor issues, he entrusted veterans like Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, while Camavinga stepped in as needed. Despite those adjustments, Madrid advanced to another final, a sign of resilience and depth. Ancelotti emphasized that their standard of play may not have reached top form, yet the team delivered when it counted. The path to silverware, he suggested, often involves enduring tougher periods and learning how to grind out results when everything isn’t clicking.
Turning to tactical choices, Ancelotti dissected a moment that led to Valencia’s equalizer. He explained that the game grew more compact as it progressed, turning into a contest of individual duels within a broader team structure. A lapse in pressing and ball pressure, combined with misreads on central play, contributed to the error that unlocked the game for Valencia. The Italian manager stressed that the balance between collective organization and individual responsibility is crucial in these tightly fought matches, and he assessed that some players failed to apply pressure or to read the center of the pitch effectively during the critical phases.
Looking ahead to the shootout, Ancelotti revealed his preference for experience and composure in the decisive moments. He noted that he placed three seasoned players on the pitch for the penalties and opted for calmness in the order of takers. In a lighter moment, he recalled the final kick by Vinícius Jr., joking that it might have been better for him to sit that one out, a quip that underscored the tension even at the highest level of competition.
Meanwhile, Valencia’s coach Gennaro Gattuso spoke with equal pride about the performance of his team. The Italian described the post-match mood as one of pride and a firm belief that the approach shown is the correct path for the club’s development. He commended the squad for maintaining a strong mentality and for displaying the kind of character he wants from his players going forward. Although the scoreboard showed defeat, Gattuso argued that the display demonstrated progress, with a high tempo and adventurous play that offered tangible signs of growth. He noted that Madrid’s quality at key moments, especially in the finish, weighed heavily, but the overall effort remained a positive takeaway for the future.
Gattuso praised Thibaut Courtois as a standout for Madrid, acknowledging that the Belgian goalkeeper kept the scoreline favorable with a series of important saves. Reflecting on the match’s physical toll, he added that Madrid’s endurance was a factor but that Valencia did not shy away from the challenge. The coach insisted that fatigue is a natural part of a long season and that players in both sides must cope with the demands of extended competition. He attributed the result to a blend of Madrid’s exceptional goalkeeping and decisive moments that swung the balance in favor of the reigning champions, while also recognizing Valencia’s own potential to win in other circumstances.
Additionally, Gattuso touched on potential reinforcements for Valencia. He avoided naming players explicitly but indicated a need to strengthen the squad, particularly in midfield, to sustain the club’s ambitions. The emphasis was placed on returning to the squad’s core identity and on integrating emerging talents who could shoulder increased responsibility. He lauded Fran Pérez, Valencia’s 20-year-old standout who had a memorable contribution in the tournament. Gattuso highlighted the winger’s rapid development over the past several months and praised a late surge that showcased Pérez’s athleticism and technical growth. The coach underscored that Perez has earned every opportunity and has shown the talent needed to impact big matches going forward.
In sum, both coaches reflected on a match that delivered the drama expected of a trophy decider, with Madrid securing progress through experience and composure, and Valencia affirming a trajectory rooted in bold play and individual flashes of brilliance. The Super Cup landscape remains finely poised, and the lessons drawn from this fixture will likely influence decisions as clubs assess form, squad depth, and strategic aims in the months ahead.