Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti hailed his team’s resilience after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Brahim Diaz netted the second-half winner after Julian Alvarez had equalised following Rodrygo’s early opener. Despite missed chances from Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe that could have widened their advantage, Ancelotti focused on the positives.
“A Tough Battle Against One of Europe’s Best”
“These are evenly matched games. A Round of 16 tie in the Champions League could just as well be a final or a semifinal,” Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference. “Atletico are one of the best teams in Europe, and you can’t expect to finish the tie in the first leg. We’ve gained a small advantage that gives us confidence, but that’s all.”
While acknowledging Real’s struggles in the first half, where careless errors led to Atletico’s equaliser. Ancelotti commended his side’s improved second-half display. “We were better after the break. We took advantage when we needed to,” he noted.
Mbappe and Vinicius Contained, But Ready for Second Leg
The Italian tactician also played down concerns over subdued performances from Vinicius and Mbappe, crediting Atletico’s defensive organisation.
“Facing their defence is never easy,” Ancelotti said. “They worked hard, fought hard, and while they couldn’t showcase their quality tonight, they have the return leg to do it.”
With the second leg set for next week at the Metropolitano, Real Madrid will look to finish the job and advance potentially to face Arsenal, who all but sealed their quarterfinal spot with a commanding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven.