Carlo Ancelotti had likely never faced as much criticism in his second stint at Real Madrid as he did when his team found themselves 2-0 down at half-time against Borussia Dortmund.
The Santiago Bernabeu crowd had grown restless, the team’s performances were inconsistent, and all eyes were on Ancelotti.
Yet, in a moment of immense pressure, Real Madrid staged a spirited comeback, eventually winning the game 5-2, reigniting hope for the season.
How Ancelotti turned it around
As reported by MARCA, the team’s reaction in the second half was the result of intense discussions and self-reflection during the break.
Instead of scolding his players, Ancelotti made them confront their performance, urging them to rediscover their pride and the footballing identity they seemed to have lost.
The players, particularly stars like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, took the message to heart, with both contributing to the goals that fueled the comeback.
Players worried about Ancelotti
After the match, the players rallied behind their coach, knowing the road ahead could be tough.
“We can’t let the manager down,” was the sentiment echoed in the Real Madrid dressing room.
The squad is now hopeful that the win over Dortmund will be the start of an eventual recovery, especially after a mixed start to the campaign.
Real Madrid players want to ensure that this is not just a one-off Champions League comeback, but the beginning of a sustained turnaround for the rest of the season.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid face a series of crucial fixtures. Ancelotti’s men will need to maintain their newfound intensity in La Liga and the Champions League, with upcoming matches against Barcelona, Valencia and AC Milan being must-win encounters.