Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has lambasted Eder Militao for his performance in 2-0 Liga defeat at Real Sociedad on Tuesday. Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea scored in the second half to inflict defeat on the ten-man holders, with five games to go
Los Merengues’ defenders were below par at Sociedad, with Militao, in particular, cutting a frustrating figure. Under pressure from Alexander Sorloth in the 47th minute, Militao slipped and played a wayward back pass to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The pass, hit with too much power, eluded Courtois at the near post, leading to a simple tap-in from former Madrid man Kubo at the far end.
After the game, Ancelotti lambasted Militao’s performance (via MARCA), asking him to ‘wake up’:
“He has to wake up, soon.”
Militao also reacted poorly in the build-up to Sociedad’s second goal. The centre-back did not come to Lucas Vazquez’s aid when Barrenetxea was tussling with him, instead standing quietly in an awkward position. The right-back proceeded to cut inside before finding the near-bottom corner of Courtois’ goal with a powerful drive.
Real Madrid next take on Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday (May 6) before welcoming Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg three days later.
Real Madrid lacked penetration and drive in Real Sociedad loss
Playing without Karim Benzema (rested) and Vinicius Junior (suspended) against Real Sociedad, Los Blancos did not exude the calmness required to overcome a tricky opponent. Most of their shots were speculative as they struggled to link up in the final third.
They also did not have Luka Modric and Federico Valverde (both injured), leading to a stale midfield performance. Aurelien Tchouameni looked confident in the middle, but both Toni Kroos and Dani Ceballos were bereft of ideas.
Things turned from bad to worse for Real Madrid in the 61st minute, when Dani Carvajal saw a second yellow for a poor tackle on Aihen Munoz. A combination of poor defending, red card and absences saw the Whites produce a lethargic and sub-par performance.
They now trail leaders Barcelona by 14 points. The Blaugrana need two points to confirm their first La Liga triumph in four years.