Carlo Ancelotti believes the Champions League defeat to PSG was decided in midfield, as Real Madrid ‘struggled too much with their pressing.’
The Merengues didn’t have a single shot on target at Parc des Princes, as Gianluigi Donnarumma was practically a spectator.
The Italian coach was asked if the team had taken the approach he planned in this game?
“We did quite well in defence, even though at times we sat too deep and weren’t aggressive enough,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset.
“What we were lacking was in building out from the back, as we struggled too much with their pressing in our midfield.
“Usually, it doesn’t disturb us too much when the opposition presses, but today we struggled and our forwards were not activated.
“It was not a good performance, they deserved to win and we didn’t create much, but the second leg will be a different match.”
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Thibaut Courtois saved a Lionel Messi penalty, but could do nothing deep into stoppages when Mbappé squirmed between two defenders and placed the finish between the goalkeeper’s legs.
“Clearly, Mbappé is the most dangerous player they have, we tried everything to limit him and we nearly managed it,” added Ancelotti.
The second leg is on March 9 and this is the first season without the away goals rule, so losing 1-0 in Paris is not as bad a result as it would’ve been in previous campaigns.
“It’s an advantage playing on home turf, with our fans, the Bernabeu and it’s going to be a different game.”
Casemiro and Ferland Mendy will be suspended for the second leg, as they picked up bookings.
“I think those were two gifted yellow cards, they will be missed, but we have the options to replace them.”