Real Madrid achieved a crushing victory over Borussia Dortmund with a score of 5-2, after the Germans took the lead twice in the match, leading 0-2 in the first half.
Real Madrid delivered a historic second half. After a modest performance in the first half, the team made an unexpected turnaround and dashed Borussia Dortmund’s hopes.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “Defensa Central,” Lucas Vazquez did not deliver his best 45 minutes this season in the first half. On the contrary, his performance was inaccurate, out of position, and lacked sharpness, which helped Dortmund take the lead.
“I feel bad; my mistakes were…” Lucas admitted in the first half, acknowledging the extent of his errors. Ancelotti provided the player with encouragement and confidence, motivating him to perform brilliantly in the second half, which he did, ultimately scoring the third goal that turned the game around.
Ancelotti wasn’t the only one who lifted his spirits; all the players were there to support each other, and a noticeable change in attitude and intensity was evident in the second half.
The players themselves acknowledged this fact to the media after the match, noting that the team had completely transformed following Carlo Ancelotti’s speech in the first half.
The newspaper added that Perez approached Lucas after congratulating Vinicius and told the Spanish player, “The second half proved to everyone your strong character and your ability to withstand pressure.”
Perez urged the player to focus, especially in the coming period, which will greatly determine the course of Real Madrid’s season.