Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press gathered in the San Mamés media room to assess the LaLiga matchday 19 clash between Athletic Club and Real Madrid: “It was a difficult game, it was close, very competitive and hard-fought. When we got the equaliser, we could have focused on controlling the game but fine details have cost us. We missed the penalty, but I can't be assessing the game on that basis because you might score, or not. Mbappé is upset, he's disappointed but we have to keep going."
“It was an evenly matched game. Athletic are a very dangerous side at home. We competed well, fought hard and a draw would have been a fair result given how both teams performed. It was a solid defensive display from us in the first half, but we could have done a better job with the ball, we didn't create many chances. In the second half we looked a bit better and we had more opportunities. We're still in the mix, we could have got a more positive result tonight. We're going to keep working towards Saturday's game."
Penalty-takers
"Vinicius is usually the one who has been strong from the spot for us. We have three penalty takers: Vinicius, Mbappé and Bellingham”.
Control of the game
“Athletic took the lead, they played with increased intensity and created more chances. We drew the game with 78 minutes gone and could have focused on controlling the game.”
Valverde
“The fans are incredible. Valverde is down and disappointed, as is Kylian. He made a mistake but we shouldn't dwell on it. It's an error, they happen in football and we have to look ahead to the next match."
Mbappé
“We have to give him time to adapt. He's scored 10 goals already and he's doing all he can to improve.”
Taking penalties
“It's part of football and the two of them have spoken. He took the responsibility and stepped up but it didn't go to plan, but that's football and these things happen."
Penalty not given on Rodrygo
“I haven't seen it. It looked like they were reviewing offside and then the penalty. They called him over from VAR and the referee decided not to award a penalty."
Self-reflection
“It's odd to have lost five games in such a short space of time. We've improved on certain things in recent games but we're not as solid as we were last year. We have to work on that because it's crucial. The last two defeats have come at very tough away grounds. We'll start getting players back now and we'll improve, that's for sure."