Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has 'doubts' over Asensio offside call

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti couldn't help but doubt VAR's decision to rule out Marco Asensio's late goal in Sunday's El Clasico.

Los Merengues succumbed to a 2-1 league defeat at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday evening, most likely surrendering the La Liga title to arch-rivals Barcelona.

With 12 points now separating the sides, Madrid will need nothing short of a miracle to defend the league crown for the first time since 2008, but the late turn of events in Catalunya left Ancelotti with doubts.

The reigning champions took an early lead thanks to Ronald Araujo's own goal but headed into the break on level terms after Sergi Roberto's equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Asensio thought he had re-established a one-goal cushion for his side in the 81st minute, only to see his strike ruled out by VAR as he was found a fraction offside.

Instead of going ahead again, Madrid fell behind in the dying moments, with Barcelona's second-half substitute Franck Kessie handing Xavi Hernandez's team an all-important injury-time winner.

Asked about Asensio's controversial offside call in the aftermath, Ancelotti stated: "We didn't win because of the offside, which we still have doubts about," via Sport.

"The match was very good and the changes were very good. We are going to fight until the end in all competitions with a lot of confidence."

Barcelona will head into March's international break with a massive lead, as they seem to be on the cusp of landing their first La Liga title since 2019.

Meanwhile, despite Ancelotti's reluctance to admit defeat in the title race, Madrid will likely have to focus on defending the Champions League crown as a last resort to avoid a trophyless campaign.