Ancelotti rues Real's costly errors

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lamented his side's costly errors, after it squandered a two-goal lead to allow Barcelona to a rollicking 4-3 win in on Sunday — a result that left the Catalans one win away from claiming their 28th La Liga title.

The Italian tactician, normally a picture of sideline serenity, could only shake his head as his injuryravaged defense struggled against Barcelona's relentless assault at a sold-out Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.

Even with a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe, Madrid was handicapped by the absence of its top defenders — Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba — due to injuries.

The Madrid defense struggled to contain Barcelona, which was spurred on by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Brazilian forward Raphinha, both of whom found the net.

"We made some glaring mistakes that cost us several goals," Ancelotti said.

"We have to defend better, that is quite evident from today's game, we defended badly, and that's that.

"Mbappe did well. In an attacking sense, the team had clear ideas, but we could have defended better.

"In high-level matches against top opponents, you need to be on top of your game.

"We played well in attack but it's clear we can improve a great deal on defense."

After Madrid's two-goal lead, courtesy of Mbappe, Barcelona's Eric Garcia out-jumped Madrid's defenders to score from a corner. Along with Yamal's remarkable equalizer, two glaring errors from Madrid gifted Raphinha a double and sealed the game for Barcelona.

With Barcelona seven points clear at the top of the table, it can secure the La Liga title as early as Wednesday if Real Madrid fails to win at Mallorca. However, irrespective of Madrid's result, a Barcelona victory in its Thursday derby against Espanyol would guarantee the Catalans the championship.

"Everyone can make whatever assessment they want," Ancelotti stated when asked about the disappointing season for the defending champion that is set to end without any silverware.

"We have to finish the season well, and try to win the three remaining games."

Departing Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said an announcement on his future was "not too far" away, after he bid an emotional goodbye following his final home match with the club on Sunday.

On Friday, Alonso announced he would leave the club in the summer, with Sunday's game — a 4-2 loss to Champions League-chasing Borussia Dortmund — his last at Leverkusen's BayArena.

Alonso is widely expected to join Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League and La Liga as a player.

Madrid's 4-3 loss at Barcelona on Sunday all but sealed the Spanish title for the Catalans, with coach Ancelotti expected to leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.

Last season, Alonso knocked back reported interest from Liverpool, Madrid and Bayern Munich. He has repeatedly dodged questions about his future, but indicated an announcement was around the corner.

"We will see in the future. Not too long, but we need to wait. Today is about our club, our players," Alonso told DAZN.

"For me it's the end of a super era in my life, and I want to enjoy it, and afterwards, we'll see.

"I was emotional and this club will stay in my heart forever."

Agencies