Ancelotti: “We deserved more in the second half”
"We recovered after the penalty and were very close to winning the game," stated the Italian.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the Santiago Bernabéu press room after the derby. The coach reflected on the match: “I don't want to talk about the referee. We deserved more, especially in the second half. We had control and we created a lot. The penalty affected the team in a first half that was slower and less aggressive compared to the second. However, we left with good feelings. "In the second half, Vinicius and Rodrygo played wider and created many dangerous situations."
“The VAR gave the penalty. The referee was very close to the action and saw what happened very well. I saw a similar penalty in Athletic-Girona. Football people don't understand this.”
Analysis of the derby
“I don't want to cause controversy. The match was close and competitive like all derbies. We came out with a draw, but we are encouraged because we did well in the second half.”
Good collective commitment
“In terms of commitment, we were good. Everyone has sacrificed, battled, fought and retrieved a tricky game. When Atlético were ahead, they played their game by defending and hitting us with counterattacks. They are very dangerous there, but we handled it well. At the back, the two centre-backs were excellent. We recovered after the penalty and were very close to winning the game.”
The creation of the goal
“The idea was to get the ball wide in the first half. With the low block, Vinicius goes deeper inside to put a pass behind the defense. Then we were patient and went wide. The goal we scored was a ball from Rodrygo hanging into the area and Mbappé finished it.”
Conclusions
“We wanted to make the pitch wide with the wingers on the touchline. In the second half, it went well. The team is disappointed because they thought they deserved to win and we were very close. We remain leaders in a very competitive league. It’s been a very intense week but until Tuesday we’re relaxed.”
Ceballos
“Ceballos played very well, as usual. He has contributed to the team, just like Valverde. The full-backs and centre-backs have also been very good. For Tuesday's game, we have to see the recovery of those who have played. Those who haven’t played today have an advantage to play on Tuesday.”
On-pitch system
“This system might work for us. We changed defensively to make two lines of four with Bellingham more on the outside and it has turned out quite well. Apart from the two or three counterattacks after the penalty, both lines have done well. Mbappé and Vinicius made an effort to be closer to the rest of the team. It was a good performance in terms of the players’ commitment.”
League Competitiveness
“Everyone has their opinion. It is going to be a competitive League until the end. We are happy despite the difficulties we have. Before the game, I saw an image in which Carvajal, Alaba, Militão and Rüdiger greeted their teammates before taking the field... Despite the difficulties, we are doing very well.”