Ancelotti laments misfiring Real Madrid attack

It was a familiar theme for Carlo Ancelotti over the weekend as his Real Madrid side drew 0-0 with Real Betis after once again failing to put away easy chances.

Ancelotti’s side are now nine points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona as their rivals defeated Valencia 1-0 to extend the gap.

The Italian, speaking after the game, revealed his side's attack is an issue, having scored just one goal in their last three games.

“I’m upset more than angry,” said Ancelotti. 

“It’s strange we’re not scoring. It’s not normal that a team with this much quality didn’t score more than one goal in the last three games. It does upset me, a lot. 

“The players are also disappointed because we’ve got the quality to score and we’ve always done it. I think our attack is a problem right now. We need to be more clinical and deliver more.”

There have been several missed opportunities for Real this season but profligacy in front of goal seems to be holding the team back, especially in LaLiga. 

Ancelotti will be hoping his side can find their shooting boots in the coming days. 

Real welcome mid-table Espanyol in their next La Liga game on Saturday while Barcelona travel to Athletic Bilbao a day later. 

When asked if the title race is over, Ancelotti said: “No, no. The gap is big. We’ll work this week, we have a whole week to work. 

“We need to keep fighting until the end. There are lots of games to be played but we need to improve.” 

Real also have a second leg against Liverpool at the last-16 stage of the Champions League to come. They are leading 5-2.