Real Madrid named a vastly more experienced side than Barcelona during Sunday’s El Clasico showdown in New Jersey, but ultimately, it was a third successive pre-season defeat for Los Blancos against their bitter rivals.
Last summer, Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost 3-0, and in the grand scheme of things, it mattered very little as they went on to win three trophied during the 2023-24 campaign, including La Liga and the Champions League. As expected, Real Madrid’s manager is not worried about the defeat, or the manner of it – quotes via Diario AS.
“It was a match with good intensity and good plays. Obviously, we continue our line of preparation, little by little the players return. We take advantage of these games to give minutes and we continue.
“Let’s not go crazy. They are pre-season games, we are missing eight players… The result is not as important for us as getting the players in good shape.”
Ancelotti also spoke on Vinicius, who threatened throughout his 33-minute cameo in his first appearance of pre-season.
“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.”
There’s certainly no cause for concern for Real Madrid after this defeat. It would have been nice to claim some bragging rights, but they’d much prefer it if that happened next May/June.
Liubcinstz
560
These Pre-Season Friendly Matches don’t count. We’re only testing our players physicality and give our second team players some minutes to showcase their talents and skills. We know Barcelona take these friendly matches very seriously. We know they would have been beaten if it was a real competition. Hala Madrid 🔥🔥🔥🔥
OPReuben
481
there's absolutely no need for this match... Madrid should stop playing pre-season matches with Barca from hence forth...the way and manner they take these matches, is as if their life depends on it & our season also depends on it is unlikable to me.. I think pires should stop these matches from taking place .
Yaelmnuyz
462
BlessRm
132
i was not expecting vini to contribute because he always work hard to maintain his shape on his vocation, i doubt if Dani Cebalos can contribute anything good for this team , for my bad thinking mario martin and Nico paz should be promote, they could be super sub and they bring more competition in the midfield