Carlo Ancelotti suggested Real Madrid will benefit in the Champions League from being knocked out of the Copa del Rey.
The holders were eliminated by Atletico Madrid, who recorded a 4-2 aggregate win after a 2-2 draw at Santiago Bernabeu, and Ancelotti said after the match he was happy with the majority of what he saw.
“We must assess this game and the mistakes we made. The first 60 minutes we had a great time,” the Italian said, AS reports.
“I’m happy with how we played in the first half. We played very well. We now have three weeks to prepare for the Champions League and surely that is good for the team.
“We made mistakes we usually don’t, especially in bringing the ball out of defence. I didn’t think we would make those mistakes.
“I thought we could come back still after the first goal because we played very well. We reacted well. When it was 1-1 I thought it was going to be difficult.
“It’s hard to play through the middle against Atletico. There’s more space wide. The pass inside is tricky.”
Ancelotti was asked about the Santiago Bernabeu crowd, who appeared to applaud Isco for a late foul.
“I think overall the atmosphere was superb and the team was special for an hour. The key to the game was the two mistakes we made,” he replied.
“Isco was very good, with the same consistency as in previous games. It was a good match from Isco, like everyone else. He was great.”
Ancelotti also confirmed that Pepe suffered a blow to the ribs but could offer no update on his condition short of revealing the defender will have a scan on Friday.
