He explained that Los Blancos were solid in defence and admitted that they suffered as Barcelona pinned them back to their own box after David Alaba’s goal.
Real Madrid were outstanding in defence
Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for Real Madrid’s performance in their 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Camp Nou, with the Italian particularly pleased with the way in which his team played on the counter-attack. He explained that Los Blancos were solid in defence and admitted that they suffered as Barcelona pinned them back to their own box after David Alaba’s goal. “Real Madrid’s game was practical and intelligent,” Ancelotti said during his post-match press conference after the Clasico. “We were outstanding in defence. We have misplaced some passes, and we have been very effective on the counter. This team has a lot of quality, and we have to enjoy it. This was not an easy game, and winning makes us happy.”
The team have to be a little more efficient up front
“I think we can compete with anyone. The team is very solid, and we have to be a little more efficient upfront, but we have played against a great team, and we have suffered. We are capable of suffering together.” Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti pointed out that there are certain aspects of his team’s game that needed to be improved in the first half. “We played a smart game. Very good at the back and very dangerous on the counter,” noted Ancelotti. “At the beginning, we should have been better when building from the back and when circulating the ball. After scoring, we’ve had more opportunities and more control.” Ancelotti also explained that he decided against pressing high up the pitch and declared that Real Madrid were willing to attack and not sit back and defend. “We are defending well,” added Ancelotti.
“The collective commitment is outstanding. You don’t need to work on quality. It is team genetics. Two defenders scored, and this means that we wanted to attack. We have done very well. Everyone likes pressuring high up the pitch. It can’t be done sometimes, and defending well is a virtue. I wouldn’t say I like evaluating the opposing team. We suffered in this game. Barcelona will be in the fight until the end.”