Carlo Ancelotti has vowed his team Real Madrid will keep fighting until the end despite losing more points in their draw against Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid was held to a 1-1 draw against derby rivals Atletico Madrid at home which lead to them losing more points in a crucial stage in the La Liga title race. They are now seven points behind Barcelona, who can make it ten points if they beat Almeria today.
Atletico winger Angel Correa was sent off in a controversial decision for elbowing Antonio Rudiger in the 64th minute reducing them to ten men. Atletico then managed to get a goal in from a set piece in the 78th minute. Antoine Greizmann’s freekick met Jose Gimenez who headed the ball into the net.
Real Madrid substitute Alvaro Rodriguez then equalized with a header from a Luka Modric corner in the 85th minute, salvaging a draw in the process. It was the 18 year old youngster’s first professional goal.
Atletico has only beaten Real once in their last 11 meetings. This match was the third Madrid derby of the season and Atletico finished all three with ten men. They will still be happy with the point as they are struggling at 4th place.
However, Ancelotti will not give up on the title just yet.
According to Marca, Carlo said in his post match conference, “It’s not goodbye to La Liga. It’s more complicated than before the match, but we have to fight and fight until the end.”
“Now the cup is the most important thing because it’s the next game and we are very close to a title. We’re 270 minutes away from winning a title.”
He further added about Alvaro Rodriguez, “He has shown all his quality and it is a special night for him and for us because we are beginning to realize that he will be useful in this part of the season. For next season he will be in the first team squad because he has the quality that few others have.”
On facing Barcelona next Ancelotti added, “We’ll rest on Sunday. We’re back in training on Monday and we’ll do some tactical work on Tuesday to prepare well for the game and try to be at our best for Thursday.”
Real Madrid will have a chance to beat rivals Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey first leg semi final on Friday. They will face Real Betis on Monday to continue fighting in the title challenge.
They will also meet Barcelona in the league later this month and Real will look to win that match to lessen the points gap between them in La Liga.
