Logo en.madrid-barcelona.com
En.madrid-barcelona.com en Español
Logo Facebook
Football players in orange uniforms hug in a group with the FC Barcelona crest superimposed.

Go Get'em! Here's How Ancelotti Motivated His Players in Leganés: 'Barça No Longer...'

Ancelotti reminded his players of a detail about qualifying that motivated them during the second half.

Real Madrid reached half-time in Leganés with a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal created by Vinícius and finished off by Mbappé.

After Barça's unexpected draw in Vigo after leading 2-0 shortly before the end, the heavens opened for Ancelotti with the two goals from Vigo.

Ancelotti Thanked Barça for Their Favor in Vigo

The Italian coach was aware that his team could not fail in Leganés. He had to take advantage of the huge favor Barcelona had given him 20 hours earlier.

The Real Madrid players knew how to respond to what their coach expected from them. With various tactical changes, Real Madrid showed a great improvement compared to previous matches.

Two soccer players in orange uniforms hug each other on the field.
Ancelotti has found the key: Mbappé on the left and Vinícius in the center | Getty Images

Ancelotti made it clear that the left is Mbappé's, placing Vinícius in the center of the attack. He also dropped Bellingham back, placed Valverde at right-back and once again placed his faith in Asencio.

In the second half, two goals from Valverde and Bellingham gave Real Madrid peace of mind. With the three points in their pocket, the team played their best minutes.

Real Madrid Once Again Depends on Itself to Become Champions

For the Italian coach, it was a success that Madrid managed to keep a clean sheet with a defense of exceptional quality. After all, That's what worried him most. Up front he has no doubts: He knew that the individual skills of his men would settle everything.

During half-time at Leganés, Ancelotti gave his players a pep talk with a "go for them" that resonated with the players. The coach reminded them that, if Real Madrid won at Leganés, they would once again depend on themselves to be champions.

A man with gray hair and a serious expression wears a dark suit while sitting in front of a blue background.
Ancelotti spurred his men on with a detail about qualifying | Getty Images

Barça will no longer depend on itself if Real Madrid wins the Clásico and gets the same points as them. There's also the pending match in Valencia. It was the extra that the white players needed after an irregular start to the season.

With the victory in Leganés, Real Madrid is four points behind Barça, but with one game in hand. This means that it no longer depends on Barça's mistakes to be champions. If it wins all its remaining games, Real Madrid will one again become LaLiga champions.

A situation that few could have imagined a month ago. Back then, Barça had left Bernabéu with a 4-0 and leaving Real Madrid mired in a high-stakes crisis. Ancelotti is also good at this.