A lack of balance was Carlo Ancelotti’s explanation for Real Madrid’s topsy turvy 7-3 win over Sevilla on Wednesday night.
This Week 11 fixture produced two goals each for Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema and another hat-trick against Los Nervionenses for Cristiano Ronaldo, but also saw Ivan Rakitic with two and Carlos Bacca threaten more than once a comeback for the visitors.
“We played very well,” considered Ancelotti after the 10-goal thriller, which saw Rakitic miss a second penalty and Stephane Mbia sent off late in the second half.
“The team lacks little offensively, but lost concentration when at 3-0, but then continued to play well. We need more balance because you cannot open up a game when you are winning 3-0.
“We lacked a bit of balance. When you are up 3-0 you have to be careful to avoid problems. The game was very good.
“We played faster and more vertical. We need more offensive balance, but the game was fantastic.
“All three of the strikers played very well in attack. Especially Bale. He played very well, showed good condition, combined well with Benzema and Cristiano and scored.
“Benzema played well. He combined well in attack. Bale scored and assisted. Karim had two goals and it was important for his game. They are very dangerous.
“The defence? The front three worked well to pressure. The team pushed hard in the middle, we were left open in the wings, the full-backs have struggled. We need to find more balance in the back seven more than the top three.”
The game marked Xabi Alonso’s return to action after five months on the sidelines.
“We have to give him minutes. He has great enthusiasm. He’s smart and very well trained. He has done everything necessary to return, with a good physical condition, although that is not as important as it is for other players.
“He can play without being at 100 per cent.”
