Brest 0-3 Real Madrid: Ancelotti’s Analysis Sparks Concerns Ahead of the Play-offs
Published 35 minutes ago, January 30, 2025, by ENOCH
Real Madrid claimed a comfortable 3-0 win over Brest in their final Champions League group-stage match, but the result has not fully eased worries ahead of the upcoming play-offs. While Carlo Ancelotti remained upbeat in his post-match comments, many are still uncertain about the team’s overall performance.
Despite already securing qualification, Madrid had additional motivation to finish in the Top 8 for a direct pass to the Round of 16. However, this win has not ruled out the possibility of a challenging play-off draw, potentially facing either Celtic or Manchester City in February.
Rodrygo Goes was the standout player in the match, further solidifying his importance in Madrid’s attack. Yet, despite his individual brilliance, Madrid’s overall play raised concerns. Ancelotti, however, downplayed any worries, opting to focus on the positives instead of the weaknesses that could be exploited in later rounds.
Ancelotti’s Troubling Analysis
Many expected Ancelotti to address some of the issues Madrid faced during the game. Brest, though clearly the weaker team, caused significant trouble, outshooting Madrid (23 vs 14) and earning more corners (4 vs 3). Yet, Ancelotti insisted that Madrid controlled the match.
“It was a good match. We played well, and were solid and serious. We are happy to be at this level now,” Ancelotti remarked, hinting that Madrid had only recently found their rhythm. Such late-season improvements, however, might not be enough against stronger opponents in the knockout stages.
While the scoreline may seem flattering, Ancelotti disagreed: “We were good defensively and offensively. We are in a good moment and feel confident. Today, we played well—there is no doubt about it.” Yet, statistics and observation suggest that Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed by stronger teams.
Madrid’s Play-off Prospects
Looking ahead to the play-offs, Madrid’s path forward is unclear. Losses to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool in the group stage have raised questions about their ability to handle tougher opponents. They now face a possible match-up with either Celtic or Manchester City—both of which pose distinct challenges.
Madrid’s attacking trio of Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé has been impressive, and the return of Vinícius Júnior will add firepower. However, defensive issues continue to overshadow their offensive strength. Against Brest, Thibaut Courtois made six key saves to preserve the clean sheet, and Brest had a goal disallowed for offside—signaling ongoing weaknesses at the back.
With Ancelotti seemingly content with the performance, the concern remains that Madrid may not be fully prepared for the play-offs. Against teams like Manchester City, who excel at exploiting defensive gaps, another subpar defensive showing could be disastrous.
Ancelotti’s Preference for the Play-off Draw
When asked about his ideal opponent for the next round, Ancelotti revealed his thoughts: “We have to wait for the draw. If it’s City, it will be tough for both teams, but we must wait for the draw. City are better equipped to win the Champions League than Celtic because of their structure and quality. We don’t like playing against them, but if we have to, we will, just as we have in previous years.”
His comments indicate a preference for facing Celtic, as Madrid would be expected to handle them more comfortably. On the other hand, facing Manchester City would be a much greater challenge, given their dominance of possession and ability to exploit defensive frailties.
Defensive Issues Remain a Concern
The most pressing issue for Madrid ahead of the play-offs is their defensive fragility. This has been a recurring theme throughout the season, and against Brest, it was once again apparent. While Courtois’ heroics kept the scoreline intact, relying on a goalkeeper to bail out the defense is not a sustainable strategy at this stage of the competition.
With Éder Militão still recovering from injury, Madrid have rotated between Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Nacho in central defense, but none of these combinations have provided consistent stability. This leaves Madrid vulnerable to fast-paced counter-attacks, something that teams like City could exploit ruthlessly.
Midfield Strength: A Possible Solution?
On a more positive note, Madrid can draw confidence from their midfield, where Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde provide energy and technical quality. However, the midfield’s defensive contributions must improve, especially in transitions, where Madrid have been caught off-guard.
If Ancelotti can find the right balance to protect the defense more effectively, Madrid’s chances of progressing will improve. However, without improvement in this area, they risk being overwhelmed by more tactically disciplined sides.
A Defining Play-off Round Ahead
Madrid’s journey in this year’s Champions League will depend largely on how they handle the upcoming play-offs. A win over Celtic would strengthen their position as contenders, but a clash with Manchester City could expose their defensive flaws. Ancelotti’s optimism is admirable, but if Madrid continue to struggle defensively, their time in the competition may be cut short.
All attention will now be on Friday’s draw. Will Madrid get the favorable opponent they hope for, or will they face another tough battle against one of Europe’s top teams? Either way, Ancelotti’s squad must improve if they are to make a deep run in the tournament.
