Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on Friday expected Kylian Mbappé and football's brightest young stars to bounce back strongly after a disappointing showing in the Champions League.
All four quarter-final first-leg matches thrilled supporters this week, but some of the game's brightest names fell short of their best on the biggest stage.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappé was frustrated by Barcelona's 3-2 win in the French capital, while Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger tied up Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
Madrid's top goalscorer Jude Bellingham also failed to make an impact in the 3-3 draw with the English champions at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Ancelotti told a press conference: “Calm down, stay calm. We may have been below our best in the first leg, but we're starting a new game so be careful and be careful of the three of us.'' Told.
Advertisement – SCROLL TO CONTINUE
Real Madrid visit Mallorca on Saturday, looking to extend their eight-point lead in La Liga before taking on second-placed Barcelona in Cadiz later that day.
Ancelotti said 20-year-old England international Bellingham was playing his role, although his goal streak at the start of the season had come to an end.
Bellingham has scored 20 goals in all competitions for Madrid, but has only scored three in his last 13 games.
Advertisement – SCROLL TO CONTINUE
“Bellingham's goal output has decreased, which was surprising,” the coach said.
“He plays the role of a midfielder, but in terms of football he does very well. He doesn't miss anything, just the goals. That will come back sooner or later.”
The coach said that forward Rodrigo Goes, who missed Friday's training session, was fit to play against Mallorca.
