Real Madrid secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals despite facing heavy criticism following a lacklustre 1-1 home draw against Leipzig, resulting in a 1-2 aggregate win. The Blancos' subpar performance prompted scathing reviews, with "Marca" stating, "Real was saved in a very bad evening." Commentator Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa expressed disappointment, noting that Real Madrid, traditionally a powerhouse, betrayed itself by aiming not to lose and barely avoiding an early elimination due to Leipzig's mistakes.
"AS" echoed the sentiment with the headline "Real Madrid is playing with fire," emphasizing that Ancelotti's team advanced with a negative vibe and considerable struggle. The publication acknowledged Vinicius' goal as the solitary positive aspect in a game where Leipzig demonstrated superiority. The combination between Bellingham and Vinicius for the goal was the lone bright spot in an otherwise challenging night for Real Madrid.
Acknowledging the team's subpar performance, Ancelotti conceded, "It was a bad match, we were not good, not intense." Despite the struggle, the coach highlighted the mental aspect and the importance of reaching the quarterfinals, noting the challenges that come with defending a small advantage from the first leg. Ancelotti recognized Leipzig's fearless approach and the significance of the mental element in navigating the intense competition of the Champions League.
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