emirates7 - Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance and resilience in their LaLiga match against Espanyol on Saturday, where they rallied to win 4-1 after an early setback caused by a rare mistake from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Ancelotti commended his players for maintaining composure under pressure, as they controlled the game and secured victory with goals from Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe, which offset Courtois' own goal early in the second half.
"We performed well, combining effectively even when things didn't always go our way, and we kept pushing forward," Ancelotti stated at the press conference.
"In the second half, with the match open, it created a context that suited us. It was clear that tonight was exciting. We started strong and responded well after going down 0-1. It was a complete performance."
He noted that the team played better than in previous matches, displaying more rhythm and creating more scoring opportunities. "It was a good game. Defensively, we recovered well and applied pressure after losing the ball. We're gradually returning to our best form, and I'm pleased with that."
With Real Madrid unbeaten in LaLiga for nearly a year, Ancelotti acknowledged the team's ability to win despite injuries and players not performing at their peak.
"We have now gone 38 games without defeat, which shows we're doing things right," he said. "However, one point of concern this season is that we've only scored one goal in the first half. It's something to address."
"I discussed this with the players before the match, hoping to change this trend. We didn't succeed, but we played with greater intensity."
Real Madrid will host Alaves on Tuesday before facing local rivals Atletico Madrid in a much-anticipated derby next weekend.
Ancelotti commended his players for maintaining composure under pressure, as they controlled the game and secured victory with goals from Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe, which offset Courtois' own goal early in the second half.
"We performed well, combining effectively even when things didn't always go our way, and we kept pushing forward," Ancelotti stated at the press conference.
"In the second half, with the match open, it created a context that suited us. It was clear that tonight was exciting. We started strong and responded well after going down 0-1. It was a complete performance."
He noted that the team played better than in previous matches, displaying more rhythm and creating more scoring opportunities. "It was a good game. Defensively, we recovered well and applied pressure after losing the ball. We're gradually returning to our best form, and I'm pleased with that."
With Real Madrid unbeaten in LaLiga for nearly a year, Ancelotti acknowledged the team's ability to win despite injuries and players not performing at their peak.
"We have now gone 38 games without defeat, which shows we're doing things right," he said. "However, one point of concern this season is that we've only scored one goal in the first half. It's something to address."
"I discussed this with the players before the match, hoping to change this trend. We didn't succeed, but we played with greater intensity."
Real Madrid will host Alaves on Tuesday before facing local rivals Atletico Madrid in a much-anticipated derby next weekend.