Carlo Ancelotti admitted that Real Madrid took their foot off the gas against Juventus, but that the result was most pleasing.
Los Blancos picked up a 2-1 win over the Bianconeri on Wednesday night to maintain their 100 per cent start to Group B of the Champions League and move a step closer to progressing to the Round of 16.
“We won a tough game. We could have played better, but the result is very important for us,” considered Ancelotti after the game, determined by Cristiano Ronaldo’s two goals in the first half.
“We only had problems down our right, where we didn't keep things as tight. Apart from that, the team had good balance.
“We lowered the tempo and controlled the situation in the second half.
“We lost a few too many balls, but it wasn’t necessary to push when Juve weren’t pressing us. Towards the end we gave the ball away too cheaply and Juve threatened on the counter.
“We've now played three games with this formation [4-3-3]. The team are comfortable with this system and we are not going to change it.”
Juventus went into the game with a change in formation.
“It was a good surprise changing to four at the back, probably to cover the flanks on Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Aside from that, Juve played very well and created a lot of problems for us, especially on the left. Carlos Tevez caused us a lot of problems too when he cut in, so overall Juventus played a very good game.”
Gareth Bale came off the bench yesterday for a quiet 25 minutes, which initially also saw Ronaldo move position on the pitch.
“Bale will find space on the flanks, both in a one-on-one and running behind them, as he has such extraordinary pace. He doesn’t have the characteristics to play in the middle.
“Will I try Ronaldo as a centre-forward? I said yesterday in the Press conference that I’m not crazy enough to change the position of a player who scores 50-60 goals per game.”
Ancelotti mused on the team’s recent performances and his work with them since arriving in the summer.
“There are many difficulties in Madrid. There’s trying to do something different to what they were used to last year, such as keeping possession, and the players don’t always find the right position.
“Things are improving rapidly, though this team has so much quality that we can do better.
“The team are confident. We now have to go to the Camp Nou to win, and we will need to be at our best – showing our best qualities.”
