Mbappé arrival talk no factor in Real Madrid draw – Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti insisted Real Madrid players were not distracted by talk linking the club to Kylian Mbappe after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano opened the La Liga title race.

Joselu put the visitors ahead in the third minute at Vallecas, before former Madrid striker Raúl de Tomás equalized from the penalty spot and defender Dani Carvajal was sent off in added time.

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The result leaves Madrid – whose chances of bringing in Mbappé increased this week, after the striker informed Paris Saint-Germain of his intention to leave this summer – six points clear at the top of the La Liga table, while second-placed Girona play away. at the Athletic Club on Monday.

“When have we not been focused?” » said Ancelotti in his post-match press conference, when asked if the headlines around Mbappé were a possible distraction.

“I think we've always been [focused]. And today too, when things weren't going so well. Criticizing this team this season is difficult. »

“We started very well and scored early,” Ancelotti then added. “After the [Rayo] From the penalty spot, the game changed, there were more duels, it was more of a battle, with more saves. It's a draw that we're not happy with, but we'll continue. We are well placed.

We have to win every game, but to win the championship it is important that if you can't win, you don't lose. Sometimes a draw hurts, but in the end it can be a positive step for help us win the league.”

Carvajal and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga will both be suspended for Madrid's match against Sevilla next weekend.

Carvajal received a red card after confronting Rayo's Kike Perez late in the match, and Camavinga received a fifth yellow card of the season after disputing a decision with the referee.