Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a blunt critique of his team following their surprising 1-0 loss to Lille in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Soccernet.football reports.
The reigning European champions, heavy favourites to secure their second win in the group stage, were left stunned by a spirited Lille side that matched the Spanish giants in every area to claim a famous victory.
The defeat brought an end to Real Madrid’s impressive 36-game unbeaten run, marking their first loss in 258 days.
Ancelotti did not hold back in his post-match assessment.
“Lille were better and deserved to win,” Ancelotti admitted. “We were bad and slow tonight. We didn’t create. The possession was slow, no ideas. We were bad under every aspect.”
Real Madrid struggled to make any impact in front of goal, recording only two shots on target in the first half and four in the second.
It was the first time since May 2023 that the Spanish side had failed to score in a Champions League game, a fact made more concerning given the introduction of star forward Kylian Mbappé in the 57th minute.
Despite his presence, Real Madrid lacked creativity and failed to trouble Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
Jonathan David’s penalty just before halftime proved decisive as Lille held firm to secure all three points.
Ancelotti now faces a crucial test in Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Liverpool.
Should his team replicate this performance in any of those games, Los Blancos could find themselves in danger of slipping further in the group stage.
Before those challenges, Real Madrid return to domestic action in La Liga, where they face Villarreal this Saturday.