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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that Brahim Diaz’s miscommunication proved costly during the club’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona.
Speaking after the 3-2 extra-time loss in Seville, Ancelotti blamed a “misunderstanding” between Diaz and Luka Modrić, saying: “The Croatian played a low pass, but his team-mate didn’t understand it. Instead of facing the ball, Diaz turned his back rather than taking it face-on, allowing Koundé to nip in, steal it, and smash it into the net.”
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Ancelloti continued that Diaz thought Luka would pass behind him, but it came low. “These small details sometimes cost nothing – other times they cost everything.”
While Ancelotti refrained from naming and shaming outright, it was clear his ire was directed at Diaz for the decisive goal that handed Barça the Copa del Rey trophy.
The Italian was otherwise measured, insisting that his side had given everything to win the game. “We fought well, especially in the second half. We almost won it,” he said. “No one deserves blame. We did everything we could.”
Real had overturned an early Pedri strike with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, only for Ferran Torres to force extra time. Jules Koundé’s late strike then sealed Barcelona’s third victory over Madrid this season.
Ancelotti remained coy on his own future: “Maybe I stay, maybe I go. We’ll see in the coming weeks.”
Asked about officiating, the Italian was brusque: “I won’t talk about the referee.”
