Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t want his Real Madrid players losing focus in the second-leg against Borussia Dortmund.
Madrid took a 3-0 win from the first-leg on Wednesday after goals from Gareth Bale, Isco and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But speaking to reporters after the match, Ancelotti insisted the tie was not over.
“[Dortmund] will try everything to come back. That’s normal,” the Coach said.
“We have to be vigilant. Simply, if we play the same way we did today we can reach the semi-final.
“The atmosphere was very good today, on and off the field.
“We’ve responded well [to losing to Barcelona and Sevilla]. But it’s clear we haven’t completely forgotten those results because we have paid dearly. We aren’t top of the League but we have time.
“If we win every game until the end of the season we’ll win the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.”
Ancelotti added that he was impressed by Pepe’s performance and rejected a suggestion that Ronaldo had a quiet night.
“Pepe has done very well. He’s done well all season, playing with personality,” Ancelotti said of the Portugal international.
“I think playing at the back wasn’t easy tonight because our opponents found ways to attack us, so the four defenders have done very well.
“We tried not to give them space but there was too much to cover. Iker [Casillas] made a fantastic save as well.
“I’m more worried about the second-leg [than Cristiano]. Dortmund showed their quality in the second-half.
“Cristiano has a nuisance in his knee. At the moment we don’t mind the hassle of it. Naturally we want to give him rest but I don’t think he was quiet. There’s no problem for now.”
Ancelotti also confirmed that the decision to substitute Ronaldo came as a precaution rather than because his knee problem flared up to any great extent.
Ancelotti was deprived of Angel Di Maria at short notice after the Argentine reported ill with the former Paris Saint-Germain boss picking Isco in his place.
“Isco had a very good game. He sacrificed himself to defend, won balls and showed the quality he has. His game was fantastic.
“I’m happy because he has shown he can play in that position. He helped the team a lot with his performance.”
