Carlo Ancelotti talks Vinicius’ disallowed goal, Bellingham and Fede Valverde after Real Madrid 1-0 Athletic Club | OneFootball

Real Madrid were able to somehow stay afloat in the race for the league title thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic Club.

It was a hard-fought game for the reigning Spanish champions, who probed the opposition defence multiple times but simply failed to break the deadlock.

That was until injury time when Fede Valverde pulled out a killer finish to help Real Madrid secure three points late in the proceedings.

What Ancelotti said after Athletic Club win

Speaking to the press after the game, Carlo Ancelotti raised questions on Vinicius’ disallowed goal as well as a potential penalty on Jude Bellingham that wasn’t given.

“This is the new football. The disallowed goal. What’s not automatic, what’s strange is that VAR didn’t call for the penalty. The new modern football,” Ancelotti said when asked about Vinicius’ disallowed goal (h/t Diario AS).

The Brazilian found the back of the net around the 79th minute, but his goal was later disallowed after it was revealed that Rodrygo was offside during the build-up.

Vinicius’ late goal was disallowed by VAR (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“This is what modern football is. Marcelino agrees with me,” Ancelotti said when the reporter mentioned last Saturday’s penalty at Montjuic.

Talking about Valverde’s late winner, the Italian added, “That was the key. The game was slower in the first half, and then in the second, it improved in every way. The team delivered.“

With Kylian Mbappe missing due to a suspension, Ancelotti had to make some tactical adjustments, which involved Bellingham operating as a false nine.

“That position gave us a huge advantage last year. We didn’t use it in the first half, but we did in the second,” he said about Bellingham’s positioning.

Reports suggest Ancelotti could opt for a 4-4-2 formation against Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final, which means Bellingham might return to his usual role. “It’s the 4-4-2. I’m very fond of that system because it’s the best defensively,” he even said after the win.

Speaking of the Copa Del Rey final, Ancelotti said, “It was a lineup to have more control with Luka and Ceballos. He was coming off an injury. Then we put Endrick in higher up the pitch. We have time to prepare for it. The win is good for us.”

Ancelotti also talked about how the team were superior in the second half. “We controlled the first half, we didn’t suffer any pressure, like Athletic did, but we didn’t create any chances. The game was good. We were aggressive and didn’t concede. We were more solid and united,” he said.

When asked about how he has lately applauded in Vinicius’ pressing efforts, the Italian agreed.

“Vinicius has a fantastic attitude, and he was exhausted in the second half. He was decisive, as always.

Federico Valverde was the hero for Real Madrid once again (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“These haven’t been happy days for him, but I really liked his reaction. He’s going to be very important in the upcoming matches, both for what he’s like on the pitch and for his attitude,” he said.

Ancelotti also talked about the 4-4-2 system in depth, with the Italian notably being asked as to why he hasn’t used it more often this season.

“It doesn’t mean I have to use four midfielders. Often, I use Vinicius on the left wing and other times, Rodrygo on the right.

“You can play a 4-4-2 with six midfielders if you use two forward midfielders. In a 4-4-2, it doesn’t mean you only have two strikers. Sometimes it depends on the type of full-back you’re playing,” he replied.

Talking about the game itself, Ancelotti commended the response from his team. “I had no doubt about it. The fans believe we can achieve something this season, just like we do,” he said.

Finally, the Italian was asked who will start in goal in the cup final now that Andriy Lunin is back in the team. Ancelotti remained coy as usual.

“Either Lunin or Courtois, I wouldn’t rule out Fran either, who has played well,” he concluded.