In a tense first half, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior were said to have “picked a fight” by frequently stepping on each other’s toes on the pitch.

According to Marca, Ancelotti had warned that he would replace them if they did not quickly change their style of play. The Italian coach told Vinicius to stop moving into the middle from his left-wing position.

Mbappe and Bellingham occupied this area, with the French striker playing as the highest point and the English midfielder playing in support behind. Marca said the players quickly adjusted to Ancelotti’s instructions to regain control of the game.

Real’s problems ahead of the big Man City match

Despite taking a point in the Madrid derby, the lack of coordination between Madrid’s key attacking stars in the first half was a concern. Coach Ancelotti shared after the match: “I think Real Madrid deserved more than 1 point. In the second half, Real played very well. The first half was completely different, we were slower. The whole team entered the second half with a more positive mentality.”