Carlo Ancelotti leaves everyone puzzled with his post-match remarks following Real Madrid’s defeat to Liverpool.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s reaction to his team’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool left fans stunned. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo handed Real their third loss in five Champions League group stage matches.

Despite being the reigning champions, Real managed just three shots on target during the game. One of those was a missed penalty by Kylian Mbappe, who had his effort saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. The defeat left Real Madrid in 24th place, clinging to the final play-off qualification spot with only three group games remaining against Atalanta, Salzburg, and Brest.

The underwhelming start to the Champions League campaign is a stark contrast for Ancelotti’s team. Yet, what surprised fans even more was the Italian coach’s post-match remarks. Speaking shortly after the final whistle, Ancelotti said: “I liked it. We played well. This loss doesn’t change much. Even if we won, it would be difficult to make the top eight.”

While qualification remains mathematically possible, the loss makes it almost certain that Real Madrid will have to settle for the play-off round under the new competition format. In previous seasons, such a record might have seen them struggle to exit the group stage altogether.

Meanwhile, Liverpool continued their flawless campaign with a fifth consecutive win, earning 15 points and conceding only one goal so far. Manager Arne Slot expressed his delight after leading his side to their first victory over Real Madrid since 2009. Speaking to TNT Sports, Slot said: “Playing against a club with such a legacy in the Champions League is always special. I think the result, combined with the way we played, was very satisfying.”

Slot acknowledged some sloppiness in the first half but praised his players for their improved intensity and composure in the second, which secured a historic and well-deserved win for Liverpool.