Carlo Ancelotti says title race is getting difficult but will hold out until the end

After the shock defeat to Valencia at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke for the first time about the team's chances of retaining the La Liga title this season, and admitted that hope is gradually becoming slim.

Defending champions Real Madrid suffered a heavy blow on Saturday as they lost 1-2 to relegation-challenged Valencia at home. Mouctar Diakhaby and Ugo Duro scored for the visitors, while Vinicius Junior scored for the hosts. It is worth mentioning that this was the first time in 17 years that Valencia had won all three points at the Bernabéu.

The defeat left Real Madrid three points behind leaders Barcelona in the standings, and if Barcelona remain unbeaten against Real Betis later that day, the gap will widen further. Ancelotti said in an interview after the game that the defeat greatly weakened the team's hopes of winning the championship.

Ancelotti said: "It has become more difficult to compete for the league title, but we have only one idea, that is to fight to the end. Although the chances have become smaller, we still have to fight until the last moment."

Next, Real Madrid will quickly move to the Champions League. On April 8, they will challenge Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the quarter-finals.