Aitor Karanka praised Real Madrid’s makeshift line-up for their performance in the 1-1 draw with Barcelona on Wednesday evening.
Los Blancos came from behind to record the score draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, much to Karanka’s delight.
“The team really were good, everyone did an amazing job, especially with the absences that we have and with players out of position,” the assistant Coach declared, once more speaking in Jose Mourinho’s absence.
“We're very happy with the job done by the team. Now we have to rest and think about Granada. It is a long time until the second leg and there will be time to prepare.
“There were chances for both sides. We had some when it was 0-0. It might have sold the crowd a little bit short because there were enough chances for more goals to be scored.
“What happened today is the same as in the last few seasons, we are very closely matched. In the League, we have dropped a lot of points, but when we play against one another you can see the actual difference.”
Raphael Varane, who scored the equaliser, was a notable performer for the home team.
“Varane, at centre back, could not have done things better. He is 19 and the match that he played was perfect. He got the equaliser, he stopped a certain goal on the line.
“It will serve him phenomenally well in his progress, he has a good head on his shoulders and will keep improving.”
Diego Lopez made his second debut for the team since rejoining from Sevilla last Friday as cover in goal for Iker Casillas.
“He conveyed calm. He has been playing in the First Division for many years and showed the quality that he has and that the team knows that he has. He is with some of his Spanish teammates and they know the calm that he conveys.
“Picking him over Adan? We had to choose one. The experience and calmness that Diego showed was clear and shows that we did not make a mistake.
“Antonio is still a great goalkeeper and we have confidence in him and for the remainder of the season we will keep making the best choice for the team.”
