Responding well to the draw to Manchester City in the Champions League, Real Madrid picked up all three points in their encounter with Mallorca on the road.
Aurelien Tchouameni’s scorcher from distance allowed the Merengues to get their noses in front after proceedings and ultimately solidify their spot as league leaders.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti answered the media’s burning questions via MARCA in the post-match conference of the game.
Thoughts on the game
Acknowledging that Real Madrid barely threatened in the first half but turned the ante up in the second period of the game, Ancelotti stated:
“It was a very complete match as we expected. We were slow in the first half, but we improved in the second.”
The win has allowed Real Madrid to sit comfy in first place with an eight-point lead over Barcelona, whom they will face shortly this month.
Ancelotti highlighted that the victory brings his men closer to fulfilling their ultimate goal of clinching the league title.
“This victory brings us closer to achieving the league title,” he stated.
But he confessed there are still many challenges left to overcome, with seven matches yet to be played: “We haven’t won the league title yet, there are still matches left.”
Talking about the goalscorer, the Italian praised Tchouameni, who put up a fine display in his natural position after regularly being utilized as a center-back.
“Tchouaméni played at a good level at his favorite position today,” Ancelotti exclaimed.
“We know that this match was very important. I’m very happy because winning here is always very difficult. I was thinking of giving Militão more minutes in the second half, but the score was uncomfortable,” the coach added.
Despite starting the game on the bench, Vinicius Jr added a threat immediately after coming on in the 63rd minute.
Ancelotti commended the Brazilian’s display, stating, “Vinicius came in and played very well, he was dangerous. When the opposition crowd boo you, this indicates success.”
On the upcoming encounter with Manchester City
All eyes will now be on Real Madrid’s clash with the Cityzens at the Etihad Stadium next week.
After locking up Erling Haaland in the first leg, Ancelotti stated Antonio Rudiger’s place in the XI is not in doubt. “Rüdiger will certainly be a starter in the match against City,” he said.
He underlined the importance of attitude, emphasizing, “On Wednesday, we will not win because of our fitness, but because of our behavior.”
