'This match does not represent Real Madrid' - Carlo Ancelotti apologises for 'unbelievable' Girona loss - but insists Los Blancos 'will be fine' in Champions League clash vs Man City

Carlo Ancelotti apologised to the fans after Real Madrid lost 4-2 to Girona, but insisted Los Blancos "will be fine" against Manchester City.

Real Madrid beaten 4-2 by Girona
Valentin Castellanos scored four goals
Ancelotti was critical of his defence

WHAT HAPPENED? An incredible four-goal haul from New York City FC loanee Valentin Castellanos sunk Real Madrid in La Liga, with Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vasquez scoring for the visitors in a 4-2 thrashing at the Estadi Montilivi on Tuesday evening. Ancelotti was fuming with his side's defensive display but has promised that things will improve in their Copa del Rey final against Osasuna and subsequent Champions League semi-final clash against Manchester City.

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WHAT THEY SAID: "It’s tough because when you lose it must be tough," the Madrid boss told reporters. "The match was bad in defence. And that was the key, because we did well on the ball, especially at the beginning. But we were not convincing in the duels, we were caught in two counter-attacks, and from there, everything became more difficult.

"I understand that the fans are hurt, we apologise. We are also hurt. But the fans know that we will be fine in the cup final, as well as in the semi-final (against City). It’s harder to say today, but this match does not represent Madrid. We apologise, but we must look ahead."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Real Madrid had kept six clean sheets in their last seven matches but looked completely disorganised against Girona. However, Ancelotti believes that this defeat might act as a wake-up call for his players heading into the business end of the season.

"Yes, it can (be good for the team)," he added. "A defeat is never good, but the defensive commitment is too important and if we have it, we will always win. It’s unbelievable. The team was on a good defensive streak. We conceded with a lack of forcefulness in the duels and a lack of organisation. Every time they came out from the back they made uncontrolled transitions. And in one minute in the second half our legs were cut off. We are very hurt. We have to pick ourselves up. We have everything at stake."