Carlo Ancelotti conceded it is “difficult” for Real Madrid to win La Liga following Saturday’s home defeat against Valencia.

The defeat leaves Madrid three points behind Barcelona, who play their game in hand later on Saturday at home to Real Betis, at the top of the league standings with eight matchdays remaining.

Hugo Duro’s injury-time winner for Valencia at the Bernabeu secured the visitor’s first league away win in 12 months and meant Madrid missed the chance to temporarily go level on points with Barcelona.

“It is much more difficult to fight for La Liga,” Ancelotti said after the match. “But we have the idea of doing well until the end of the season because we still have options, albeit much less after this game.”

Mouctar Diakhaby opened the scoring in the 15th minute for Valencia and while Vinicius Junior equalised five mintues after half-time, the Brazil international had missed the opportunity to give Madrid the lead in the 13th minute when his penalty was saved by Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

“It’s been a difficult season for penalty takers,” Ancelotti said. “(Jude) Bellingham missed at Valencia, (Kylian) Mbappe against Athletic Club and Liverpool. Vinicius missed against Atletico Madrid, I tried to give him confidence and he missed this one.

“Will Mbappe be our main penalty taker? Lets see.”

Madrid are next in action away to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday before returning to La Liga action five days later away to Alaves.

(Molly Darlington/Getty Images)