Thibaut Courtois admitted that Real Madrid’s chances of winning La Liga have all but disappeared after Barcelona’s 2-1 win in El Clasico on Sunday left Madrid within 12 points of the league leaders.
Madrid took an early lead at the Camp Nou thanks to Ronald Araujoown goal. sergi roberto leveled before half time and, as both teams searched for a late winner, Marco Asensio before they disallowed a goal for offside frank kessie scored in added time.
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The result means Barca are top of the table with 68 points and on course for their first league title since 2019, with Madrid losing 56 points with 12 games to play.
“Yes, we have to be honest,” Courtois told Movistar, when asked if the title race was over. “We wanted to fight until the end, but now there are four games apart… They would have to lose four games and we would have to win them all. Nothing is impossible, but it is very difficult.”
Substitute Asensio thought he had kept Madrid’s title hopes alive when he converted Daniel Carvajal‘s pass in the 81st minute to put the visitors ahead, but the goal was ruled out by VAR, a decision questioned by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“We deserved to win,” Ancelotti told Movistar. “The game was won. So we have doubts about the disallowed goal… Do you think it was offside? We have to accept it, but I have my doubts. Nothing is certain. We have the right to have doubts.” “
“Honestly, I don’t know,” said the Italian, when asked about the issue in his post-match press conference. “I thought offsides were pretty clear at the World Cup, with (semi-automatic offside technology). I have my doubts. It changed (the game). Was it offside? I’m not sure. If VAR is sure, great.”
Madrid’s attention will now turn to the Copa del Rey, where they will return to the Camp Nou to play Barça in their semi-final second leg on April 5, and the Champions League, where they will face Chelsea in the quarterfinals. end next month.
“We are sad, hurt, but proud of the match we played,” Ancelotti said. “If we play like this for the rest of the season, we’ll win something for sure.”
