Carlo Ancelotti has said Real Madrid could not have performed any better in beating Bayern Munich 4-0 in the Champions League semi-final second-leg.
Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo each scored a brace as Madrid added to their 1-0 first-leg win with a storming display in the Allianz Arena and will now face either Atletico Madrid or Chelsea in the final.
Marca reports that after the final whistle, Ancelotti explained how Madrid exploited Bayern’s vulnerabilities.
“We did this with absolute merit and we have to enjoy it because the players deserve to be in the final,” Ancelotti said.
“It was the perfect game. This team surprises me every day. The first-half was fantastic.
“We prepared well on set-pieces because we knew they had problems at the back post.
“I’m not surprised. The players have done very well and they are very happy.
“We have the mentality to work together. Gareth Bale has sacrificed a lot and shown the quality he has.”
When his record against Bayern was raised, Ancelotti insisted that it is Madrid’s place in the Champions League final that matters more than anything.
“I had won in Munich. I had a good run there, but the important thing is that after 12 years, Madrid are in the final of the Champions League. That’s very good for us,” the Italian continued.
“The first goal was to reach the final. It hasn’t been easy but we’ve done very well.
“We had only one bad match against Borussia Dortmund and our performance so far has been fantastic. Let’s see what happens now.”
Ancelotti was asked about the prospect of playing the final without Xabi Alonso, who will miss the match after being booked in the first-half against Bayern.
“It’s bad luck,” Ancelotti replied.
“I’m sorry for the player but it is important that Real Madrid play and win the final for Xabi.”
Ancelotti also had a word of comfort for his opposing Coach, Pep Guardiola, after suggestions Guardiola’s possession-based approach was out of date.
“This isn’t just any philosophy because Guardiola has still obtained many results,” Ancelotti argued.
