“I’m not going to say ‘This isn’t football’.” That remark echoed after a controversial night at La Cerámica, where Villarreal defeated Real Madrid amid questions over penalties. The post-match atmosphere was heavy, but Carlo Ancelotti stayed composed, focusing on the game rather than stirring further controversy. The pitch at Cáceres provided the backdrop for a week that tested the Italian manager’s renowned calm.
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A massive Villarreal beats Real Madrid in a festival of ridiculous penalties
There was a broad sense among observers that neither handball should have been penalized under the current rules. The contact from Foyth barely altered the play, and Alaba was off balance after a slide, a detail many felt did not merit a foul. Still, officials adhered to the letter of the law, a point of debate that dominated the post-match chatter.
A massive Villarreal beats Real Madrid in a festival of ridiculous penalties
Analysts noted that the two incidents were judged to be penalties because the hand and arm positions diverged from what the current interpretation considers natural. The shift in the rule has been uncomfortable for many fans, yet referees are expected to apply it consistently. Ancelotti did not seize the moment to escalate the discussion; instead, he kept his focus on how Villarreal performed on the day, acknowledging they played a stronger match overall.
Self criticism
In a frank assessment, Ancelotti pointed to gaps in Real Madrid’s performance. He highlighted defensive lapses, space appearing between lines, and errors at the start of the game. The coach noted that the team did not begin the season as well as the previous year, a truth that invites reflection from the entire squad.
Looking back, the 2022 campaign began with a defeat for Real Madrid in La Liga, followed by a 1-0 win against Getafe featuring Enes Ünal. A glance at Carletto’s first spell at the Bernabéu shows a pattern: the club often opens the year with mixed results. The 2014 side started with a 3-0 victory over Celta, while 2015 began with a 2-1 win at Mestalla. The trend of tough openings has persisted in various forms across several seasons.
Historically, Ancelotti’s Real Madrid has started four calendar years with a loss on record. This season has seen rare quiet stretches, with two draws against Osasuna and Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu and a single extra draw during a Champions League visit to Shakhtar. The balance of results underscores a season of high variability, even as the team remains a contender on multiple fronts.
Without Carvajal, Lucas, Asensio…
One notable element of the Villarreal match was the lineup: Real Madrid started without any Spanish players in the starting XI for the first time in the club’s long history. The decision to replace Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez on the right was driven by injuries and fatigue, leading Ancelotti to deploy Militao in that position. The shift reflected a broader strategy of rotation and adaptation amid a demanding schedule.
Official matchday reminders circulated on social media, highlighting the historic nature of the lineup and sparking plenty of discussion among fans and pundits alike. The post captured a moment in the club’s history that will be recalled by supporters for years to come.
Secondary players who had seen limited minutes this season continued to see limited action. The squad depth was on display as younger and reserve players stepped in when called upon, while established members remained available off the bench or in reserve roles. The season’s narrative continued to evolve as the clock moved forward, with each match offering new data points for the coaching staff and analysts.