Real Madrid’s defense under scrutiny after Milan defeat
Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, addressed the team’s defensive vulnerabilities after a 3-1 defeat by Milan in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage. He reflected on a series of recent performances where energy and organization slipped, stressing that the issue goes beyond isolated mistakes. The coach’s assessment centered on the need to restore balance across the defensive line and the midfield, and to reestablish a shared sense of purpose that translates into more reliable performances in every phase of play.
Post-match remarks emphasized the stability issue. Ancelotti spoke of concern about how the side has performed in recent outings, citing a lack of stamina and a defense that has not remained compact. He argued that the team needs to be “more compact, more fluid” and that improved communication and coordination between the back line and the midfield are essential steps toward restoring resilience.
On the field, the match at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on 5 November ended with Milan taking a 3-1 lead via Malik Tshaw, Alvaro Morata, and Teyani Reinders. Real Madrid’s consolation came from Vinicius, who converted from the penalty spot. The result underscored the gap between Real Madrid’s aspirations and the execution required to win in Europe, particularly when opponents are able to exploit gaps in the defensive blocks and the spaces between lines.
Real Madrid’s campaign in the group phase has grown more challenging. The team has suffered two defeats in the opening four rounds, adding to another loss in the second round against Lille. The pattern has prompted questions about depth, tactical flexibility, and the capacity to maintain intensity over the full 90 minutes. The club’s leadership is likely to scrutinize defensive structure, midfield shielding, and the balance between attack and defense as it looks toward the remaining matches in the group.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will travel for the next fixture. The clash with Liverpool on 27 November, scheduled for 23:00 Moscow time, represents a crucial test of character and form. The match will demand disciplined organization at the back, sharper transitions in possession, and the stamina to sustain pressure from a fast, pressing opponent. The coaching staff will aim to implement adjustments that reinforce compactness, resilience, and collective effort as the team strives to secure qualification and restore momentum in Europe.
Separately, the officiating discussion surrounding the CSKA–Spartak match has drawn criticism from some observers. The ensuing debate has contributed to the wider conversation about refereeing standards in top-level football, a backdrop that accompanies Real Madrid’s pursuit of consistency on the pitch.