- Real Madrid suffered 2-1 pre-season Clasico defeat to Barcelona
- Los Blancos were without stars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe
- Carlo Ancelotti pointed towards player absences after loss
Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he is more concerned by Real Madrid’s preparation and fitness during pre-season than results after the defeat to Barcelona on Saturday night.
Two strikes from Pau Victor and Nico Paz’s late consolation saw Barca run out 2-1 victors in the summer Clasico, with Los Blancos missing a number of huge stars after their international excursions earlier in the summer.
Stars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Dani Carvajal are among the players yet to return after deep runs at Euro 2024, while pivotal midfielder Federico Valverde has also not yet linked up with the squad after the Copa America.
Despite the defeat, Ancelotti claimed it was more important to get minutes into the legs of his first-team squad and said the missing players played a role in the loss.
Speaking after the match, he told reporters: “We’re working on our preparations and the players are gradually coming back to the team. The result is not so important.
“The objective is for players to get minutes and to get them in good shape. We’re not focusing on tactical aspects. That starts on the seventh [of August].
“We’re not worried. It’s a pre-season game and we’re missing eight players.”
Madrid were able to welcome back Brazilians Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao and Rodrygo to their matchday squad against Barca. While Militao started and Rodygo remained an unused substitute, Vinicius entered the Clasico in the 57th minute and showed why he is one of the favourites for the next Ballon d’Or with a number of impressive dribbles and attempts at goal.
Asked about the returning 24-year-old, Ancelotti added: “He was good, and looked in good shape. It is clear that he has worked on vacation. The players are now back in good physical shape and don’t need a lot of work.”
