Madrid - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believed his side lacked penetration as they left themselves with a mountain to climb if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey after a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid. Ancelottis men have now suffered back-to-back defeats after a run of 22 consecutive wins to end 2014 and three of their five losses this season have come at the hands of the Spanish champions. Both sides meet again for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on January 15. I think to call it a crisis is a bit exaggerated, said the Italian. We controlled the game well until the penalty and then we didnt play well in the final part of the game. We needed a bit more efficiency in the final pass in the first-half. We played a lot of square balls, but Atletico also defended well. They always defend together and compact so it is difficult to find a solution. Also Read: Torres eyes dream homecoming in Madrid derby Ancelotti had left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, but otherwise named a strong side including Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema. The World Player of the Year was summoned after Raul Garcia had put Atletico in front from the penalty spot just before the hour mark, but made little impact as the hosts went onto double their lead through Jose Gimenezs powerful header 13 minutes from time. Ronaldo was a bit tired, so it was a risk to play him for the full 90 minutes, Ancelotti explained. We have a chance. It is clear that Atletico have the advantage, but at home anything can happen. The odds arent in our favour but we will try our best. Fernando Torress return to Atletico ensured there was a buoyant atmosphere at the Vicente Calderon throughout. And he was delighted to register his first win over Real as an Atletico player despite a far from perfect performance on his part which saw him replaced after an hour. I am happy for many reasons, said the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 11:42:04 +0000
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