Carlo Ancelotti says Eder Militao needs to “wake up” after the defender’s error contributed to Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

Militao’s back pass was intercepted by Takefusa Kubo in the build up to Real Sociedad’s opening goal in the first half.

Dani Carvajal was sent off after an hour after picking up a second yellow card, before Ander Barrenetxea added a second for Real Sociedad in the final five minutes.

When asked about Militao, Ancelotti said: “I agree, he has to wake up. And has to do soon”.

Militao, 25, has featured 44 times in all competitions for Real this season, and has been part of a Real backline that has conceded 32 goals in 33 La Liga matches.

Real return to action on Sunday when they face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final.

Ancelotti admitted Tuesday night’s defeat was not ideal preparation for Sunday’s final.

“It’s not the best way to prepare for a match,” the Real boss added. “A defeat always hurts, gives concern, lowers the dynamic and good feelings. The final and the first leg of the semifinals affect concentration.”

The result leaves Real 14 points behind Barcelona after the Catalan club extended their La Liga lead with a 1-0 victory over Osasuna.

Ancelotti conceded that Real have been below par in La Liga, but called on his side to atone for this in the Champions League semi-finals and Copa del Rey final.

“In recent times in La Liga we have lost continuity and have lowered the level,” he continued. “Fortunately we have two competitions and let’s see if with them we can fix the end of the season.”

Mario Cortegana Santos is a Football Writer for The Athletic covering Real Madrid. He has followed Los Blancos since 2019 at Diario AS, Goal.com and MARCA. He usually appears on Gol TV and is a main collaborator in the YouTube show The Four Amigos Podcast. He has covered the EURO 2020 and Qatar 2022. Follow Mario on Twitter @MarioCortegana