Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was left delighted after their 3-1 defeat of Barcelona.
Karim Benzema and Fede Valverde fired Madrid into a two-goal half time lead. Ferran Torres pulled one back but a late Rodrygo penalty sealed the three points for the home side at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti said, “The first half was the key. We were the better team and were strong and clinical. We managed to play out from the back well because they were pressing high up the pitch. We played with confidence, playing out from the back and we were strong up front. Everybody was engaged and that was key to winning the game.
“We’ve taken all three points from a strong team in this competition who are doing well this season. Barcelona are a good side with plenty of strengths. It’s a long season and there’s a lot of games still to play. We’re happy with our performance.
“We kept on the front foot right until the end and wanted to win the game. You can’t play with that intensity from the first half all the time. We wanted to rotate players earlier, but we had the game under control and didn’t want to change the dynamic. Barcelona pushed on a bit more in the second half. We didn’t play out as well as we did in the first half, but we didn’t have too much to worry about at the back.”
On Real’s midfield performance, Ancelotti said: “They did a very good job. (Toni) Kroos has really helped playing out from the back and was strong defensively, not one of his usual strengths. (Federico) Valverde was his usual self. He’s growing into that position. He’s arriving in the opposition area a lot more and scoring. He’s got amazing energy and talent.”
On Aurelien Tchouameni, he added: “He’s young, but shows a lot of personality and character. He slots into a midfield that already has everything. Playing alongside Modrić and Kroos really helps him and he feels comfortable. In the end it’s about the individual’s quality and he has it. I’m not talking about technique or physique, but personality and character.”
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