'We were very close to winning' - Ancelotti disappointed with late draw at Atletico Madrid

'We were very close to winning' - Ancelotti disappointed with late draw at Atletico Madrid

Hassan Abdulsalam 08:55 - 30.09.2024

Ancelotti expressed disappointment after his team conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 with Diego Simeone's side in the Madrid derby.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his disappointment after his side conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 against Atletico Madrid in their LaLiga clash.

Despite dominating much of the game, Real Madrid were unable to hold on to their lead and had to settle for a point from the match.

"It is hard to cope with a draw in which we were very close to winning. It can happen, the opponents are very strong and have a lot of quality. Their goal was in the last minute, it's a pity. We controlled the game well, we came close," Ancelotti said.

Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti won his fifth Champions League title as a coach.
Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti won his fifth Champions League title as a coach. (Photo Credit: Champions League/X)

Despite the late equaliser, Ancelotti remained optimistic about Real Madrid's chances in the league.

"But I always like to think positive. We've won a point away from home and we are a point closer (to leaders Barcelona)," he said.

Meanwhile, the match was temporarily halted due to objects being thrown onto the pitch by Atletico Madrid fans after Real Madrid took the lead.

Ancelotti praised the referee, Mateo Busquets Ferrer, for making the right decision to stop the game until the situation was under control.

"I don't think (it helped Atletico), it affected us both equally," Ancelotti said regarding the stoppage.

"We all wanted to play. The decision to stop the match was the right one. The referee said that lighters were thrown and that he had stopped the match twice, if they threw another one he had to suspend it," he concluded.

Real Madrid will travel to France on Wednesday for a date with Lille in the UEFA Champions League.

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