According to reports, silence, broken only by the sound of strong winds sweeping through the Valdebebas training ground, dominated Real Madrid’s final training session before their match against Atletico Bilbao. There was no trace of Vinicius’ usual laughter or Modric’s shouts while dribbling. Only silence and the tense faces of Real Madrid players.

Carlo Ancelotti also behaved differently during the 15 minutes the media were allowed to attend. The Italian coach walked from one side of the pitch to the other, wearing a hood and cap that almost concealed him. A two-minute conversation with part of his coaching staff was his only interaction in the first part of the session. The rest of his time was spent watching the pitch and walking.

The Real Madrid dressing room is filled with sadness

The collective feeling of disappointment and low morale after failing to deliver a worthy performance on the return leg has engulfed the Real Madrid dressing room. The players knew the mission was extremely difficult, but with the feeling of being far from their goal, they couldn’t even come close to the dream in those 90 minutes, and it was a heavy blow.

Ancelotti’s role as a psychologist

Ancelotti said after the match against Arsenal that it was time to stand up and face the unfamiliar situation. Real Madrid, accustomed to winning, must now strengthen their morale for a decisive week—a week with two titles at stake. Any mistake in La Liga against Atletico Bilbao and Getafe could gift the title to Barcelona, and within seven days, the Copa del Rey final will be held in Seville. Now it’s time for Real Madrid to quickly return to normal.

The players know they must not make mistakes, especially at the Santiago Bernabeu, where an immediate reaction against Atletico Bilbao is expected. A tough game after what happened against Arsenal.