Carlo Ancelotti laments Cacereno pitch in Copa del Rey win

Carlo Ancelotti has lamented the state of CP Cacereno’s pitch during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey round of 32 victory on Tuesday evening.

Los Blancos were only able to win 1-0 despite on Tuesday despite their opponent being a fourth division team, with Rodrygo scoring a 70th minute winner for the European champions.

Although not at full strength, Real Madrid still started the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, the aforementioned Rodrygo, and Eden Hazard at the Principe Felipe yet were unable to create many chances – as exemplified by the fact that Cacereno actually had more efforts on goal throughout the course of the game.

Speaking to the press after the narrow win, Ancelotti stated that the poor quality of the playing surface hindered his side’s performance on the night: “We couldn’t play the way we planned because of the state of the field. We are not used to playing like this but I am satisfied with today’s performance. The result is deserved.

“It’s difficult to fully assess the game because it was difficult to play tonight due to the pitch. Hazard and Rodrygo faced more difficulties and could not create many chances, but fortunately, Rodrygo managed to finish the match with a goal.

“You can’t play football like that. This is not football and the stadium needs more work. Such things should be monitored by the officials. It’s good to see the kids fight and compete against the big boys. That’s good for the fans, but they want to see good football.”