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Transcript: Carlo Ancelotti’s Post-Match Press Conference Following Real Madrid’s Win Against Manchester City

Carlo Ancelotti speaks to the media after Real Madrid's dramatic win against Manchester City.
Apratim Banerjee|
IMAGO / Crystal Pix

Real Madrid's clash against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage play-offs was an instant classic. Los Blancos sealed a 3-2 comeback win at the Etihad on February 11.

Erling Haaland scored twice for City (19', 80' P). Kylian Mbappe (60'), Brahim Diaz (86'), and Jude Bellingham (90+2') found the back of the net for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Ancelotti spoke to the media following the dramatic match. Read on to know what he said (via Real Madrid).

Q: On the first leg

Ancelotti: We weren't going to decide the tie here. We've got a slight advantage, it was a good performance and we're happy with the result. We created a lot of chances and they caused us problems from an attacking perspective. We have to prepare well for the return leg, but this game will give us confidence and strength for what lies ahead.

Q: On the team's performance

Ancelotti: It was a complete performance by the team from an attacking point of view, and we showed that with the right levels of commitment, we can do anything. They all showed great showed great commitment today and the quality of this team is never in doubt - this is the way forward.

Q: If the team deserves praise

Ancelotti: I said it a long while ago, but this is the way forward. This is where the season really starts and despite all the difficulties, we put in a good display and got a great result. The back four had never played together, not even in training. They were absolutely fantastic. Tchouameni has come in for a lot of criticism but he was incredible. Asencio's maturity continues to surprise people and Valverde and Mendy were fantastic. We've been able to bring something really positive out of an emergency situation.

Q: On the team's defense

Ancelotti: You have to be strong defensively here because if you're not they can score a bag of goals. I always tell the Spanish journalists that defending is about the attitude of the whole team. Today, we defended well as a unit. The team delivered a well-rehearsed defensive display. This was the first leg and it was very different to last year's game because we had more control and more of a threat going forward.

Q: On whether the result is deceptive

Ancelotti: The result could be misleading as we don't have to come from behind in the return, but we have to approach the second leg in exactly the same way as we did today, with the same commitment and quality. We need Rüdiger and Alaba for the return leg and I think they'll be available. It was a pretty surprising game and I didn't think the team would be so capable of showing that level of sacrifice at this stage.

Q: On the Vinicius Jr banner at the Etihad

Ancelotti: If he saw it, it served as a source of motivation for him. He was really threatening all night, all of the guys up top were. He created all kinds of problems out wide.

Q: On his gameplan

Ancelotti: We looked to press high when Ederson had the ball, and to drop to a mid-block when he didn't, with the forwards coming inside and our midfielders not looking to push. With the ball, we wanted to create width, make the most of our quality, use the ball well and not get frustrated with long balls. In the end it all worked out.

Q: On Eduardo Camavinga

Ancelotti: He played well but he can improve and he will do. He needs to understand his position on the pitch better with the ball, and make better decisions at times. He and Ceballos were fantastic and did a really good job.

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Apratim Banerjee
APRATIM BANERJEE

Apratim is an experienced sports journalist having covered European and World Football, Combat Sports, Olympic Sports, and more for online media publications like Sportskeeda, EssentiallySports, and more. He is currently an MSc. in Sport Marketing student at Loughborough University, London.

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