Coach Ancelotti continues to put Real Madrid’s team through testing ahead of the 2023-2024 season. In which the midfield is manned by four youthful stars: Jude Bellingham, Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, two veterans, barely appeared in the second half, while Vinicius and Rodrygo led the attack.
Coach Xavi used a strong roster on the Barcelona side, including the return of Ousmane Dembele and Lewandowski in attack, midfielder Frenkie De Jong, and rookies Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan, who all started from the start.
Barcelona outplayed Real Madrid, creating early chances and scoring in the 15th minute through Ousmane Dembele. Vinicius missed a penalty kick in the 20th minute, giving Real Madrid the chance to equalize. At the end of the game, after the two teams made numerous substitutions in the second half, Barcelona scored two more goals in the 85th and 90th minutes by Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres to seal the 3-0 triumph.
“This loss has little impact on us. Real Madrid is still undergoing changes. I wanted the young guys to shine, and they did so for the majority of the game. Kroos and Modric assisted. They provide excellent support, and their presence in the second half is critical. Apart from the goals we conceded as a result of our errors and risks, what we did was extremely positive,” Ancelotti stated after the game.
Regarding the summer transfer of PSG striker Mbappe to Real Madrid, coach Ancelotti provided an update: “Currently, our squad is almost complete.” Vinicius is capable of playing in the middle position. Phong and Rodrygo were on the edge, while Brahim Diaz and Joselu demonstrated their ability to score. With these individuals, I believe we have a lot of offensive alternatives.”
However, Ancelotti made it clear: “I won’t mind if you ask about Mbappe.” But I won’t go into detail on everything.” Mbappe has turned down a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League of up to 300 million euros. The 24-year-old French star is being offered to Real Madrid by PSG for up to 250 million euros, but the parties involved are negotiating a discount to make the deal happen swiftly, according to Marca.
