Ancelotti On Real Madrid's 3-2 Defeat: 'You Learn More From A Loss Than 10 Wins'

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has backed his side after their 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Leipzig defeated defending champions Real Madrid in their Group F match at Red Bull Arena Stadium on Tuesday. It was Los Blancos' first defeat of the 2022-23 season. Out of the 17 games played this campaign, Ancelotti's side has won an incredible 14, drew two, and lost one.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Ancelotti said the loss won't hurt his side much and that they still have a chance to finish at the top of Group F.

"We conceded on two set pieces and the game went into the dynamic that they wanted, they are very good on the counter. The key has been those two goals from set pieces. I am not annoyed, it's a defeat, and it bothers us, but it's a defeat that doesn't hurt us much, we have another chance [to secure the top spot]. I can't criticize a team that has done very well so far," Ancelotti told Spanish outlet Marca.

In their latest trip to Germany, Real Madrid were without their key players including Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema for the match.

Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol opened the scoring for the hosts before French forward Christopher Nkunku doubled their lead. While Real Madrid's young forward Vinicius Jr reduced the deficit, former Chelsea striker Timo Werner ensured RB Leipzig ended the night with a memorable victory.

Real Madrid, who had already qualified for the knockout stage, scored a late second goal with a penalty from Rodrygo.

"Sometimes, no doubt, you learn more from a loss than from ten wins in a row. It can happen, we played in a way we didn't want; it was better to play a lower block and the match went the other way. I haven't seen a lack of attitude or intensity. The defeat was going to come sooner or later. It hurts because they all hurt, but some less than others. We have another chance to be first," Ancelotti added in the same interview.

With 10 points from five games, Real Madrid are at the top of Group F in the 2022-23 Champions League, but they are just a point ahead of RB Leipzig.

Real Madrid's upcoming game is against Girona in La Liga on Sunday (Oct. 30). Following this, Real Madrid are scheduled to host Celtic in a Champions League game on Nov. 1.