Mbappé

Actual Madrid secured a vital benefit of their Champions League tie towards Atletico Madrid by registering a 2-1 victory within the first leg.

Objectives from Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz made certain that Actual Madrid strategy the second leg with a minor lead over Atleti.

What Ancelotti stated after Atleti win

Talking to the media after the sport, Ancelotti expressed he was proud of the crew’s organisation and the performances of Brahim and Rodrygo.

“The crew ran and labored. Two gamers made the distinction. Rodrygo and Brahim had been the most effective. They labored laborious and contributed quite a bit.

“We didn’t press too laborious, however that wasn’t the thought. The crew was organized. We alternated accountable for the sport they usually didn’t create many alternatives for us,” he stated (h/t ).

In a broader commentary, the Italian added, “It was a tough recreation. It at all times is towards Atleti. Within the first half we misplaced too many balls, we had pointless losses. And Julián scored towards us. However within the second half, we had been higher.”

Ancelotti, although, admitted that the 2-1 outcome gained’t be sufficient to get them over the road and that the tie continues to be open.

“These are shut matches. They’re the final 16, identical to a closing or a semi-final. Atlético is a top-level crew in Europe and you’ll’t consider ending the tie right here. We’ve managed to get a small benefit which provides us confidence for the return match,” he stated.

Two of the important thing protagonists from Actual Madrid’s slim win had been Brahim and Rodrygo. Speaking about Brahim, specifically, Ancelotti confirmed that the Moroccan is just about part of his plans.

“It’s not true that he’ll be again on the bench. He’s been contributing quite a bit, he did final yr too. He’s not an undisputed starter, however he’s a vital participant.

“He takes benefit of all of the minutes I give him and for us he’s a really, crucial participant. He’ll play once I put him in,” he stated.

Ancelotti additionally revealed what he had informed Brahim throughout his aim celebration, including, “We wished to make a tactical change. Defending with 4-5-1, it was only for this, to tell him of this variation and that he needed to play on the fitting. Then we modified it once more.”

One other participant who shone on the night time was Federico Valverde, who performed regardless of .

“I’ve no phrases for him. He has made an incredible, incredible effort. The change is simply tiredness. He’s joyful to be again,” Ancelotti stated on the Uruguayan worldwide.

Whereas Rodrygo and Brahim did properly, it was a tricky night time for Actual Madrid’s offensive duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Speaking about Vinicius and Mbappe’s performances, Ancelotti stated, “Taking part in towards Atlético’s defence just isn’t really easy. We haven’t had many alternatives. They’ve labored laborious, they’ve fought. They haven’t proven the standard they’ve, however they’ve the flexibility to take action.”

“In the previous few minutes, a little bit of fatigue could have set in. A 3-1 scoreline would have given us extra peace of thoughts. We’re proud of this small benefit, contemplating that the return match goes to be very tough,” he added.

Ancelotti was additionally requested about Mbappe’s toothache and whether or not or not it impacted the Frenchman’s efficiency on the pitch.

“It’s simply that. He hasn’t been in a position to work a lot, as a result of the toothache hasn’t allowed him to work for 3 days. He didn’t arrive on the recreation towards Betis in his finest situation and these minutes have been good for him to be in optimum situation for the following video games,” he stated.

The Actual Madrid coach additionally talked in regards to the significance of set-pieces and the way they’ve performed a vital position this season.

“We had been more practical final yr, however that was as a result of we had a incredible striker in Toni Kroos and a incredible striker in Joselu. This yr it’s a bit extra sophisticated. We scored objectives with set items. We’re engaged on this to search out completely different options with set items,” he stated.

Lastly, on the street forward, Ancelotti admitted that the second leg might be equally tough and that Actual Madrid are usually not significantly thrilled in regards to the prospect of going through Atleti as soon as once more.

“We’ve gained a small benefit and we need to undergo, however the return leg might be tough. Atleti will push a bit tougher, it is going to be even. The standard of each groups may be very excessive. It’s the spherical of 16, nevertheless it could possibly be a semi-final or a closing.

“We aren’t joyful to play this tie towards Atleti and they aren’t joyful to play towards Madrid both,” he concluded.