Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti apologises to fans after Girona defeat

Real let in four, having not conceded in six of their previous seven matches with Taty Castellanos netting four times for Girona as Los Blancos' slim title hopes were dealt another blow.

Ancelotti, speaking at the post-match press conference, was critical of his side's defensive performance.

"It was a tough night. Whenever you lose like this, it's a tough night. We were very poor defensively and that was what decided the game. We did a good job with the ball, especially early on. Then they hit us with two goals on the counter and we tried to get back into the game with individual moments, not as a team. We were individually poor and the defensive side of things, which has been great in recent games, was nowhere to be seen today," said the Italian tactician.

"The team were nervous from the off and then we lost control. It looked as though half-time would help us but then we conceded again and it was an uphill battle. The fans are hurting and we apologise. We're hurting too but we know we will be in good shape for the Copa final and the Champions League semis.

"Defeat is never a good thing but I think the defensive commitment of this team is crucial if we're to have success. If we don't have that, we will struggle to win games but if we show it, we'll have success. That's the key. We have unbelievable quality and that has to be aided by the defensive commitment which we did not show today. We hadn't conceded a single goal in six of the last seven games and today we let in four. If the players don't understand that, I'll have to drum it into them every day."