Carlo Ancelotti admits a breakdown in communication caused Real Madrid’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja.
Real battled back from a goal down with second-half strikes from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, but Ferran Torres levelled to force extra time.
With penalties looming, Jules Kounde struck the winner following a mistake in Real’s midfield.
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti highlighted the moment that cost Madrid the trophy.
“Brahim thought Luka would play the pass to feet, not ahead of him,” he told Marca. “Kounde then shoots low and hard. These are small details that sometimes cost you nothing and sometimes they cost you a lot.”
Ancelotti insisted Madrid controlled large parts of the game but conceded they struggled when Barcelona played behind their defence.
“We were closer to winning than they were,” he said. “But the small things made the difference.”
Despite the setback, Ancelotti refused to entertain speculation about his future, stating that focus remains on La Liga where Madrid trail Barcelona by four points with five matches left, including a crucial El Clasico in Catalonia on May 11.
“We have two days to rest, then prepare for two important games,” he added. “We have to keep fighting because we competed very well.”
Madrid will return to action against Celta Vigo at home on May 4, knowing any further slip-ups could hand Barcelona the domestic double.
