La Liga: Atletico Madrid continue recent domination of city rivals Real with big win

Cristiano Ronaldocan’t believe his team’s capitulation. Source: Getty Images

REAL Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti slammed his players attitude after they were thrashed 4-0 by city rivals Atletico Madrid, claiming it was the worst performance since he took charge 18 months ago.

“It is easy to analyse this game because Atletico were better in every facet of the game: they fought more, had more quality on the ball, had better organisation, everything,” said Ancelotti.

“It is the worst game we have played since I have been coach.

Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas could do little to stop the onslaught. Source: AP

“We will suffer a lot from this defeat, but we need to change this attitude and avoid it happening in another game in the future.

“We failed at everything, we lost all the tackles, all the high balls. We didn’t have one player who played well.”

World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo returned from a two-match ban, but even he was powerless to lift a lifeless Real as they failed to muster a single shot on target.

“Real Madrid cannot lose 4-0 against anyone,” said Ronaldo.

“We lacked desire, attitude, everything. The team wasn’t fresh mentally or physically, but there are no excuses. The damage is done.

“This can serve as a lesson for the future. We are still leaders, but we know we have to fight until the end.”

Real have now failed to beat Atletico in six meetings this season, including two defeats in La Liga and over two legs in the Spanish Supercup and Copa del Rey.

Atletico players celebrate Mario Mandzukic’s goal. Source: AP

Despite Ronaldo’s return, the visitors were missing a host of first-team regulars through injury and suspension and were outfought by Atletico from the first whistle.

Goals from Tiago and Saul Niguez gave the hosts a commanding half-time lead before Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic rounded off a famous victory.

However, Real still lead Atletico and Barcelona by four points at the top of the table, although the Catalans can close to within one should they beat Athletic Bilbao on Monday morning (EDT).

After losing out to Atletico in the league back in September, the European champions reeled off a 22-game winning run and Ancelotti is looking for a similar reaction from his side’s humiliation at the Vicente Calderon.

“It was a terrible game, but I have confidence in the players.”

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