Real Madrid Change Room Problem Is Completed, Closes 2024 Well

JAKARTA - Real Madrid ended 2024 well. In the last five matches in all competitions, they were unbeaten, won four and drew one time.

The positive result was achieved after losing against Athletic Bilbao 1-2 at San Mates on December 5, 2024.

Most recently, Los Blancos beat Sevilla 4-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, December 22, 2024, WIB night.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti considers that his troops already understand each other, especially Kylian Mbappe, who has risen from adversity.

The failure to execute penalties on two occasions, which led to Los Blancos' defeat to Liverpool and Atetheltic Bilbao, made him an important contribution.

Mbappe has only missed one match in the league of matches, namely in the 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano, due to injury.

The rest, Mbappe contributed one goal every game. The performance also received special credit from Ancelotti.

"We have returned to doing things well. This is a challenge for the squad."

"Sedikit demi sedikit, tim dan Mbappe, telah kembali melakukan hal-hal dengan baik. Kami semangat untuk tahun 2025," kata Ancelotti dalam konferensi pers setelah pertandingan.

Real Madrid's improving appearance cannot be separated from the completion of the problems in the dressing room.

However, Ancelotti does not deny that some of the weaknesses still exist, one of his concerns is the flaws in the defense because the storm of injury has not subsided.

"After the defeat against Milan (on November 5, 2024), we resolved the issue in the dressing room, speaking clearly."

"We've fixed it. However, we still have some flaws, without (Dani) Carvajal, without (Eder) Militao, without (David) Alaba. So, we've tried to strengthen our quality, especially in attack," said Ancelotti.

Real Madrid closed 2024, before the Christmas and New Year holidays, while maintaining second place in the 2024/2025 La Liga standings.

They are only one point apart from Atletico Madrid, who in the past week have dropped to the top of the standings after beating Barcelona 2-1.

Barcelona were thrown into third place, under the Madrid duo.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos' win over Sevilla in the latest match, week 18, was obtained through goals from Mbappe, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Brahim Diaz.

Before the brilliant result, Real Madrid defeated Pachuca (Mexico) in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup final.

The trophy is the second for Ancelotti's troops after becoming European Super Cup winners.

"We've improved in recent months. It's been a tough (against Sevilla) game."

"We were a little tired after our trip to Qatar. However, we played well, from the start, scoring good goals, playing aggressively. I think Real Madrid fans will be happy," Mbappe said.

Real Madrid will only start the match again on January 4, 2025, traveling to Mestalla, Valencia headquarters, in La Liga.