Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid taste defeat in pre-season friendly against Scottish Champions Rangers

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid taste defeat in pre-season friendly against Scottish Champions Rangers

Real Madrid tasted a 2-1 defeat against last season’s Scottish Premier League champions Rangers in their first pre-season friendly match. Carlo Ancelotti failed to lead his side to a victory in his first trial run ahead of the upcoming season.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers FC were the better side throughout the match at Glasgow and came from behind to earn a victory against the Spanish giants. The Scottish side scored twice in the second half through Fashion Sakala and Cedric Itten as Real Madrid scored early in the first half through Rodrygo.

Real Madrid failed to

Real Madrid and Rangers
Marcelo and Rangers’ Tavernier exchange club flags

Real however, finished the match with 10-men as Nacho was sent off in the 75th minute after picking 2 yellow cards. Carlo Ancelotti had fielded a relatively decent lineup with the likes of Marcelo, Isco, Odegaard, Jovic, Lucas Vazquez all being handed starts in what was supposed to be their first real big test ahead of the critical season.

FS Video

Rangers completely dominated the match with their attacking play as Real failed to make much impact up front except for their goal, which came from a counter attack in the 8th minute of the match. Steven Gerrard’s side notched up 21 shots on goal with 8 of them being on target.

Had it not been for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s heroics the Scottish side could have scored more goals throughout the match. After going at half-time 1-0 behind, they came back excellently as Fashion Sakala scored in the 55th minute to equalize for them.

Cedric Itten then grabbed a winner with a thunderous strike to complete the turnaround for his side as Carlo Ancelotti was left with some stern questions after the completion of the match.

Ancelloti will have to focus on his side’s attacking play as Real continue to remain toothless in attack much like the previous season. Real Madrid will play their next friendly match as part of their season’s preparations against AC Milan on the 8th of August.

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