Ancelotti Highlights Real Madrid's Versatile Play in Unbeaten Streak

MADRID: Real Madrid is currently enjoying an impressive unbeaten streak in La Liga, having gone 38 matches without a loss. This remarkable achievement has been attributed to the team’s ability to adapt and employ “many styles” of play, as stated by their coach, Carlo Ancelotti. The Spanish and European champions only lost one league match last season, which occurred against Atletico Madrid on September 24, 2023. This means that they have effectively gone unbeaten for a full league campaign, spanning the end of last season and the beginning of the current one.

Despite their success, some critics in the Spanish media have questioned Real Madrid’s playing style. Ancelotti addressed these concerns during a recent news conference, asserting, “For me I don’t think it’s like that, that we play badly.” He emphasized that the team does not adhere to a single identity, stating, “Not having a clear identity makes some think that we don’t have a style. And that’s the truth, we don’t have a style, we have many styles.” This flexibility has allowed the team to defend effectively, execute quick transitions, and manage possession in various matches.

Real Madrid is now looking to close the four-point gap with league leaders Barcelona as they prepare to host Alaves on Tuesday. This match will mark Ancelotti’s 300th game in charge of the team across two separate spells. When asked about the potential for changes in the lineup, particularly regarding top scorer Kylian Mbappe, Ancelotti mentioned that there would be “some rotations.” This comes after Vinicius Junior started on the bench during Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Espanyol.

In that match against Espanyol, Real Madrid struggled to score in the first half but turned the game around in the second half, showcasing their ability to capitalize on the opposition’s reduced intensity. Ancelotti noted, “We should put more intensity in, but understanding that teams lower their intensity in the second halves and there’s more space.”

In terms of player fitness, midfielder Jude Bellingham appeared to have sustained a shoulder injury during the match against Espanyol, a concern he faced last season as well. However, Ancelotti reassured fans that Bellingham would be ready to face Alaves. Additionally, the coach confirmed that French defender Ferland Mendy has signed a new contract with the club, extending his stay until 2027.

As Real Madrid continues to navigate the challenges of the season, their ability to adapt and employ various styles of play will be crucial. The team’s resilience and strategic flexibility not only contribute to their unbeaten streak but also keep fans hopeful for continued success in both domestic and European competitions. With Ancelotti at the helm, the future looks promising for the Spanish giants.