Carlo Ancelotti faced the press at the Santiago Bernabéu following Real Madrid’s damaging home defeat to Valencia — a result that casts serious doubt over the club's chances of retaining their La Liga crown.

Acknowledging the uphill battle that now lies ahead, Ancelotti admitted that the title is slipping further out of reach. “It’s more difficult to win the league now, but we have to keep doing things the right way until the end. Our chances are fewer, but we will fight to the very end — that’s certain.”

The Italian coach also touched on Real Madrid’s ongoing issues from the penalty spot, citing recent misses from Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and now Vinicius Jr. “I tried to boost his confidence,” he said about the Brazilian, “but unfortunately, he missed.”

Despite the defeat, Ancelotti was quick to defend his team’s effort and intensity, rejecting any notion that the loss was due to a lack of drive or physical drop-off. “It’s not a physical issue, and it’s not about attitude. We created plenty of chances. What we’re missing is that final touch. At the moment, it’s just too easy for opponents to score against us. Still, complaining won’t help. It wasn’t a deserved defeat — could we have done things better? Yes, of course, but it wasn’t a question of attitude. We deserved more.”

On the goalkeeping situation, Ancelotti confirmed that Thibaut Courtois is recovering well, and explained the decision to rest Andriy Lunin. “Courtois is feeling good. With Lunin, we didn’t want to take any risks. For London, we’ll have both of them available.”

He also responded to the whistles aimed at Vinicius from sections of the crowd. “They won’t affect him. He always gives everything, regardless of how he plays.”

Looking ahead to the crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal, Ancelotti predicted a very different encounter. “It’ll be a different match. Arsenal will come out and attack much more.”

As for whether Mbappé might be given responsibility from the penalty spot moving forward, the coach kept his options open: “We’ll see.”

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