Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win against derby rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Rodrygo scored the opening goal for the hosts in the fourth minute of the game but Atleti were able to equalize as Julian Alvarez scored a stunning goal in the 32nd minute.
Brahim Diaz then scored in the 55th minute to give the lead to the Los Blancos. The hosts had chances to strengthen their lead late in the game but could not grab their opportunities as the visitors were able to tighten their defense.
The Italian manager said the plan was to play Vini and Rodrygo on the wings and be compact but they lost patience.
Carlo Ancelotti said on Diario AS, “It was a difficult game as usual. It always is against Atletico. In the first half we lost too many balls. We had unnecessary losses. Julián scored. In the second half we were better. We were able to get the lead again and we held on.
“The initial plan was to play on the wings, with Vini and Rodrygo. It went well in the first play and then we lost patience. We worked, we had control of the game. We pushed hard. But it was not the idea to press, but to be compact. And the team was compact throughout the game.”
The gaffer admitted it will be a challenging clash in the return leg at the Metropolitano next week. The veteran said they are not happy to play a quality team like Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 and this leg could have been semifinal or even final.
“We have achieved a small advantage and we are eager to go through. It will be difficult in the return leg. If it was difficult today, imagine next Wednesday. Atleti will press a little more, but it will be even. The quality of both is very high. It is a round of 16 tie, but it could be a semi-final or a final. We are not happy to play this tie against Atleti and they are not happy to play against Real Madrid either.”
Real Madrid will take on Rayo Vallecano in the La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
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