Carlo Ancelotti reflected that: “When Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both have good nights it makes things that much easier.”
In the second half of Real Madrid’s Champions League opener away to Galatasaray, Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and Benzema netted twice, to help record a convincing 6-1 win in the opening night of the Champions League.
“The result does not reflect the match. It was difficult and in my opinion the Galatasaray had a great first half,” Ancelotti told reporters afterwards.
“Then Isco scored, which calmed us a lot, and after that the game changed and things became easier for us. We managed the game well, especially on the counterattack.
“When Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both have good nights it makes things that much easier.
“The result is great for us, good for boosting our confidence, personality and character. When you win at this stadium, where there is a lot of pressure, it's a good thing.
“The game started with a lot of pressure, but in the end we came good.
“The difference between this result and the last meeting between the teams? I don’t know, it is difficult to compare.
“It is one thing is to play the first group match here and another thing to play in a knock-out tie.”
Iker Casillas was handed a first start for the club this season, but was pulled off after 15 minutes, having been caught by teammate Sergio Ramos.
“Casillas took a knock across his back. He was unlucky and I hope that he will be better in three or four days. Inside very few minutes Iker made a great save and showed the good form he is in.
“It's only a knock, but he couldn't continue. It was just bad luck.
“Galatasaray played well in the first half and caused us problems. We were lacking confidence and personality at the start. That’s normal – it was a UEFA Champions League game in a difficult stadium.”
