It has been repeatedly said throughout this thread now that Real Madrid isn't fully focused on La Liga anymore and I don't get why people are still surprised that Real Madrid isn't performing at the top level in a competition where there is nothing to be won anymore? The La Liga title was gone weeks ago. That doesn't mean they should stop playing soccer altogether, which they didn't and they are also able to win their games even when they play at only 90%, but if I were the coach of Real Madrid, I would also signal to my players that it is important to stay healthy rather than taking risks as if it still was all about the title. It isn't and Ancelotti knew that for a while and the players knew it as well. It is all about the Champions League and the Copa del Rey and if they win it both, they have had another huge season despite the performance in La Liga.
Even though they don't really focus on La Liga, losing with a striking score like this is quite outrageous.
They were the favorites and their squad that was deployed in this match was actually mostly the core squad but the defeat was quite striking.
They still need points to secure their place in the top 2 and this defeat has hampered them a bit in distancing themselves from Atletico's pursuit.
It's a bit of a shame even if the reason for not being too focused is acceptable but still it's really hard to digest for a club like them.
I am not going to defend the performance of Real Madrid because it was bad. But in all honesty if you were in their position, where would your head be? Again, it is not that I think it is right what they are doing, but it is comprehensible. Their heads are all about Copa del Rey and the Champions League and I guarantee you that even if Atletico catches them and Real Madrid ends the season as 3rd rank, do you think anyone will ever be talking about their La Liga performance when they win both of the titles?
Now here is the risk also for Ancelotti. If they don't win a title and they finish the season the way they are playing right now, which is probably going to end up on 3rd rank, the result in La Liga will also come back to haunt Ancelotti and the whole team.