Carlo Ancelotti stood in front of the media at the Estadio de Vallecas and analyzed the game between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid on the 17th matchday of the Liga:
“The game was practically lost, but we recovered it. After that we took the lead and later we lacked penetration in the penalty area. The overall review of the game is positive, I think we played very well for an hour, apart from the beginning. The team played very well until 2:3 and created many chances. After the equalizer we tried to win until the last minute. There are draws like against Mallorca or Las Palmas that are completely different to this one. Today’s draw shows a team of solidarity that fought and couldn’t win due to some mistakes. We are on the right track. It’s a draw and we have to look at the next games. I am happy.”
“The penalty was very clear for me. Vini Jr. didn’t play from the start because he played 90 minutes in the Champions League had played and we wanted to give him the second half after his injury, where it was a little less intense. Vini played well, he contributed and had chances to score. It was a good game from him.”
What was missing?
“We were missing a goal. come tried, he had two clear chances and then the penalty. He couldn’t do anything more. I’m excited about Rodrygos Performance that has found its way back to its best form. I see a good future, now we have to finish the year well. On Wednesday we have a great opportunity Club World Cup to win, which would be the culmination of a spectacular year.”
Analysis of the game
“The draw is fair. I was very nervous against Mallorca and Las Palmas, but not today. Today I saw a team. We played a complete game. We made mistakes, otherwise we would have won 3-0. Our team is not particularly large. Are in the air Rüdiger and Tchouameni very strong, but the full-backs are not that big. There are moments when you have to suffer, and in that respect we suffered today.”
What did you think of the previous draws?
“I thought it would be very difficult to find the balance, the commitment and the right attitude. I was much more worried then. We have achieved all of this now and we have the same attitude and quality as last year. Today are Rodrygo and Camavinga returned, and soon will too Alaba be back. I expect a great 2025, full of hope and motivation. We are in the race for everything. These two draws really affected me; It was difficult to believe that we would be like this in December. Despite many difficulties, we are doing well. Today we started without many regular players: without Mbappé, Vini Jr., Camavinga, Mendy, Military, Carvajal and Alaba. Seven. The others fought very well and when everyone returns the team will be much stronger.”
Tchouameni as a regular central defender?
“No, he is not a regular player in defense, but an emergency solution. When everyone gets back, we’ll see where I use him. I know that I can rely on him. Of course it’s not his usual position, but he always does a good job. Today we played the ball very well from the back and looked for solutions between the lines. He helped us a lot in building the game.”
League leadership and attitude of Vini Jr.
“On the subject Vinicius I don’t want to say anything. Last year we played a draw here and the Liga won. To win the league you have to win games. If you can’t win a game, you can’t lose it.”
Bellingham as a leader
“He is a great player and very important. I don’t decide who the leader is, the team decides. He is doing very well, has returned to his best form and is now bringing a lot to the team.”
Conversation with the referee and Batalla’s cramps
“Nothing special, I told him that the lost time needs to be made up for. It’s not the first time he’s had cramps. He should take a little more potassium, that would be good for him.”
Rodrygo on the left
“In terms of his positional change, we thought he could cause more problems on the left side. After a bit of a difficult start, he found his rhythm and returned to his best form by scoring a goal.”
