Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti shared his sentiments on how this seasons LaLiga title race could unfold with rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the thick of things.
The Los Blancos gaffer believe there will be a heated race — with Barcelona leading since August and slipping off top spot to third, following the 2-1 loss to Atleti last month, and after winning just one in their last seven league games.
Ancelotti’s Real have a chance to temporarily move to top spot when they visit 19th-placed Valencia on Friday, as they sit a point behind Diego Simeone’s Atletico side who have 40 points from 18 games.
“The level of competitiveness in LaLiga lowers a bit the points you need to win the title,” Ancelotti, whose charged ended up 10 points ahead of second-placed Barcelona when they totalled 95 points in the 2023-24 season, said to reporters on Thursday.
“The fact that Atletico are there also generates uncertainty and I think it will take less than 90 points to be champions.”
Ancelotti also added Barcelona’s dip in form was unexpected, however, the club had a strong chance of starting a comeback.
“You have a slump and then you get competitive like before. Barcelona and Atletico have the same chances of competing with us,” he added.
Ancelotti, who has led Madrid to two LaLiga titles since taking over in 2021, admitted he does not expect to get an easy triumph at struggling Valencia.
“Tomorrow we start a new challenge, with a lot of excitement. It will be a demanding game, we want to start the year well,” the 65-year-old said
