‘Madrid almost back to their best’

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Real Madrid’s rivals that his side are returning to their best after Sunday’s 3-0 win at Getafe.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale made easy work of Los Blancos’ trip to Coliseum Alfonso Perez, but the Coach credited the team’s collective performance as the key to their victory, singling out assisters Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez for praise.

“It’s not normal because we have so many weeks to train now. We won’t do anything in particular apart from preparing well for the next game,” he said after the game.

“Generally we played very well. At first we didn’t play with great intensity. We played Thursday night and were slow [off the blocks].

“In the second half, I liked how the team performed with intelligence. Karim’s assist [for Ronaldo] was spectacular.

“The entire team played well, but the key to the game was Benzema, who did an extraordinary thing through his assist.

“The first half of the season has been very good. We started with some problems and then went on a very good run. The team continue to win and are well positioned.

“I think the intensity with which we ended the year is coming back. The team are improving.

“James hadn’t been so good physically but since showed himself to be in his best condition. Gradually the team are returning [to their best].

“Our collective play was great. First Karim [grabbed an assist] then two more from James. Cristiano and Bale finished them off for us.”

Ancelotti then gave an update on Luka Modric’s return from injury and Bale’s fitness, after the Welshman hobbled off with a suspected ankle problem towards the end of the match.

“Bale’s fine, it’s just a knock, and he’s in very good physical condition,” he added,

“Modric’s about a month away. He’s doing individual work and hopefully will be back in a month’s time.

“We just need to improve our intensity when we’re in possession because in the first half, the pace was too slow.”

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