Carlo Ancelotti issues 'different' Arsenal verdict and Real Madrid injury update after shock defeat

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been speaking after his side’s shock defeat to strugglers Valencia. Los Blancos face Arsenal in a Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night, and they had the worst possible preparations, coming up short at the Santiago Bernabeu to lose ground in the La Liga title race.

Fortunately for Real Madrid, Barcelona could only manage a draw against Real Betis, while Atletico Madrid are still to play, but the defeat means Ancelotti’s men are four points behind Barcelona and six ahead of Atletico, who have that game in hand.

Los Blancos missed a chance to go ahead early in the game against 15th placed Valencia, who have enjoyed a resurgence under former West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, who has led them out of the bottom three. Kylian Mbappe won a penalty that Vinicius Jr misses, continuing a trend of Real Madrid struggling with penalties, at least during 90 minutes, given they recently beat Atletico Madrid on spot kicks in the Champions League Round of 16.

Mouctar Diakhaby then scored the opener with 15 minutes on the clock and later avoided an own goal when VAR determined that there was an offside in the build-up. Vinicius Jr found his redemption when he turned in a corner in the 50th minute, and it looked as though the two teams were headed for a draw despite Real Madrid dominating in the late stages.

But a well-played breakaway from Valencia ended in a fine cross to find the head of Hugo Duro, who headed high into the net to secure a first away win for Valencia at Real Madrid for 17 years.

Ancelotti said after the game: “It’s not because of anything physical or to do with football. We created lots of chances, but we lacked efficiency. The opponents are asking a lot of us to score at the moment, and it doesn’t do us any good to beat ourselves up about it. It’s not a defeat we deserved. Could we have done things better? Yes, but it’s not for lack of attitude. We deserved to win and we didn’t because of the details.”

When asked about Tuesday night’s fast-approaching clash with Arsenal, he added: “It will be different because Arsenal will attack more.”

Real Madrid have been struggling with injuries over recent weeks, and they were without starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and number two Andriy Lunin, not that youngster Fran Gonzalez was to blame for either of the goals.

Providing an update on the fitness of the two keepers, Ancelotti said: “Courtois feels good. We haven’t risked it with Lunin, but in London we will have the two options.”

Arteta on Real Madrid

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is without Gabriel Magalhaes for the rest of the season, with Jakub Kiwior playing at centre-back in the draw with Everton. Arteta was asked about what he would do for the Real Madrid game, and he replied: “We have alternatives there. Today, we have players that haven't played together, so that cohesion hasn't been there.

“Ben (White) especially hasn't played at all almost this season, so it's good that they have the minutes and that understanding. We will assess what are the best options for that back line.”

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