Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Getafe, with Arda Guler’s first-half strike proving decisive.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the team’s early dominance but expressed frustration at their lack of clinical finishing, particularly highlighting a missed opportunity by young forward Endrick.
The Brazilian teenager, attempting a delicate chip in a one-on-one situation, fluffed his lines, prompting an immediate substitution for Jude Bellingham.
A visibly irritated Ancelotti addressed the incident post-match, stating, “Endrick cannot do these things. He’s young and must learn, but such moves don’t belong in football. He needs to strike the ball with power. This isn’t a theatre club.”
Guler, however, earned high praise for his composed performance. “Arda played his way, with quality and calmness,” Ancelotti said. “His future lies as an interior in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. His ability to build play is phenomenal, though he needs to improve his physicality in duels.”
The Turkish youngster’s goal underscored his growing influence, with fans on X buzzing about his potential, one user posting, “Guler’s class is unreal, future star for Madrid.”
The match wasn’t without concerns. Eduardo Camavinga limped off with a leg issue, and Ancelotti admitted, “He has discomfort in his leg, and it’s unlikely he’ll recover for Saturday.”
Fran Garcia was named as the likely replacement at left-back. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz impressed, with Ancelotti noting, “Brahim was complete in every sense. He gave us great minutes against Athletic and delivered again today.”
Looking ahead to the Copa del Rey final, Ancelotti remained pragmatic. “A final is a final, anything can happen,” he said, dismissing suggestions that Barcelona are favourites.
On the tactical approach, he added, “We must defend well, then seize our attacking chances.” Addressing Rodrygo’s role, he was unequivocal: “I have total confidence in Rodrygo.”
Reflecting on the Getafe game, Ancelotti admitted the second half was below par. “I’m not disappointed because we earned three points, but while the first half was excellent, we suffered after the break,” he said.
The Italian also acknowledged their profligacy in front of goal, stating, “We need more effectiveness. We missed chances in the first half and weren’t sharp on the counter in the second.”
As Real Madrid prepare for their next challenges, Ancelotti’s blend of youth and experience will be crucial, with Guler’s emergence offering hope and Endrick’s lesson serving as a reminder of the fine margins in top-level football.
