Carlo Ancelotti can’t rule out Chelsea in the return leg of the Champions League tie at the Santiago Bernabeu as the Spaniard praised Karim Benzema for his incredible performance in the match.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti still can’t rule out Chelsea in the Champions League despite having 2 goals lead in the first leg of the competition.
The Spanish side now have an advantage ahead of the return leg of the quarter final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti while speaking with the media after the match claims it just the half-time in the game and insists they want to produce same performance in the return leg.
“I’ve been away from the team for a week and found a team in fantastic shape on my return. We put in a very good performance and were brave and showed our personality. We were the better side, but there’s still another game to come and anything can happen.
“It’s now half-time in the tie and we want to produce the same performance in the return leg. We’ve given ourselves an advantage after producing a good game plan and that’s all there is to it. We’ve clearly got an advantage, but the tie is still wide open. Chelsea benefit from the fact that the away goals rule is no longer in place”.
Ancelotti spoke about his tactical approach to the game as he claims he played the same formation but had to put Valverde to suppress the danger from Chelsea’s left wing.
“We played with the same system, but I put Valverde in to tighten up Chelsea’s left wing a bit. Valverde did really well. It all depended on Azpilicueta’s position. If he stayed back, Valverde moved forward. I talk to the players about football, I understand what they think and what they’d like. Then I’m the one who takes the decisions. Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m not”.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema put on a great performance in the game as he scored an hattrick to help his side in the first leg.
Carlo Ancelotti has nothing but praise for the French striker for his incredible performance against Chelsea.
“He’s just like a fine wine, Ancelotti said about Benzema. He gets better every day and feels as if he’s gaining in importance within the team every day and is becoming more of a leader. That’s making all the difference in him. He has a strong personality and is aware that he’s an important player.
“The way he carries himself makes him a role model for everyone. He’s a complete player. He scores a lot of goals and is very important because he really helps the team with his runs and when we’re in possession. He’s a real threat in the box. We’re really pleased with him and are lucky to have him”.
