‘Madrid won because we wanted it’

Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti singled out the effort and desire of the team as the most pleasing part of the win over Barcelona.

Barca took the lead through Neymar but a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and goals from Pepe and Karim Benzema sealed the win for Los Blancos.

“The best thing? The effort. We didn’t lose our head after we conceded,” Ancelotti said, AS reports.

“We continued with our ideas and everything worked out. There was a lot I liked about the team. The tempo was high and we recovered well from Wednesday.

“I’ve always thought defending wasn’t a question of quality but one of sacrifice. I run a serious and professional team who know what it is to play for Madrid and to sacrifice.

“We wanted to attack with possession, using the wings. In the second half we won because we wanted to win.”

Ancelotti was full of praise for Isco’s performance and said that while Gareth Bale will come back into the team when he’s fit again, he knows he can rely on the squad.

“Isco’s work was fantastic but to beat Barca we need everyone to work,” he continued.

“Everyone was to a very high standard and it wasn’t easy after only two days of rest since the Liverpool game.

“Bale is central to this team and he’ll play, but it’s good for the team that I don’t only have 11 players.

“We showed against Liverpool and here that the physical side isn’t everything. We’re also mentally convinced we’re doing well.

“I talk about concentration, thinking about what we’re doing, to follow the strategy and the instructions.

“It’s hard to compare with other teams but I think this is a serious squad.

“This is an important win because the opponent was very strong and we reached our goal of cutting the points gap. That’s why we’re all satisfied.”

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