Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said his side are still in the driving seat in the La Liga title race despite a shock 1-0 defeat by Espanyol on Saturday. Real lead the Spanish top flight on 49 points, one ahead of Atletico Madrid, who beat Mallorca 2-0, with the city rivals set to meet next weekend.
"We had chances and could have scored, but despite the defeat we are still in the fight. We have to focus on the next game," Ancelotti told a press conference. The Italian manager also criticised the decision not to show a red card to eventual goalscorer Carlos Romero for a foul on Kylian Mbappe, who was running up the field on a breakaway attack.
"It was a clear foul, a very ugly tackle, but fortunately nothing happened," Ancelotti added. Defender Antonio Rudiger left the pitch with a muscle problem and Ancelotti said it was too early to tell for how long the German may be out."He had an injury and we will have to assess it, It's too early to talk about it. I can't tell you anything yet," he said.
Vinicius Jr appeared to have given Real the lead in the 21st minute after latching onto Kylian Mbappe's pass. However, the goal was disallowed after the Frenchman had fouled Espanyol's Pol Lozano in the build-up.The hosts kept Real at bay in the second half, with Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham all having efforts brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Romero netted the winner in the 85th minute after latching onto Omar El Hilali's pass.
