Staff Reporter.
Defending champions Real Madrid failed to show the best version of themselves in a shock 1-0 Champions League defeat at Lille on Wednesday.
It was also a first loss for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in 36 matches in all competitions – dating back to 18 January against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
Jonathan David scored the only goal from the penalty spot for Lille after a video assistant referee (VAR) review ruled that Real’s French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga had blocked Edon Zhegrova’s free-kick with his arm.
The hosts were superb throughout and more than merited their victory to get up and running in this season’s competition following a 2-0 loss to Sporting in their opening game.
Prior to scoring from the spot, Canada international David was denied by a superb double save from visiting keeper Andriy Lunin as Bruno Genesio’s team dominated proceedings.
Brazilian forward Endrick, who at 18 years and 73 days became the youngest ever player to start for Real in the competition, was unable to make an impact, while England midfielder Jude Bellingham also struggled to impose himself on the game.
However, the Ligue 1 club were forced to hang on at the end against a Real side that introduced Kylian Mbappe – returning from a thigh injury – just before the hour mark.
A late rally from the 15-time European champions saw Antonio Rudiger’s header cleared off the line and Arda Guler head a gilt-edged opportunity straight at home goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
“Everything was pretty bad. We did badly with the ball, although the team was quite compact in the first half, it was difficult for us to recover the ball, it was difficult for us to make transitions,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“We tried to be a little more aggressive, but it was difficult for us. So… We have to look at things with a cool head, not throw everything away. But obviously we have to improve.
“I am very sincere. The criticism for today’s game is fair, correct and we have to accept it because it is like that. We have not shown a good version in this game.”
Ancelotti said Lille “deserved” to win despite Real’s improved showing in the second half of the match.
“It was difficult for us to get into the game at the level of intensity, at the level of duels, at the level of clarity of play,” the Italian added.
“Obviously, the game could have been tied because we had opportunities at the end, but it wasn’t deserved.
“So we have to learn, as it happened the last time we lost a game, learn from what we have to improve, which is quite clear. I think it’s not very complicated.”
Best performance? 🤔#UCL pic.twitter.com/ELySVRkN92
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 2, 2024
Real, who beat Stuttgart in their opening match, host Borussia Dortmund in a repeat of last term’s final in their next Champions League fixture, while Lille travel to Atletico Madrid.