Ancelotti: It may seem that Shakhtar match was easy, but it was not

Added at:
another languages: uk ru

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s thoughts on the game against Shakhtar.

– It would have been naturally, if the team had claimed a major win. What do you think about the match?
– I am satisfied. I think we played very well, too match in attack. We had a lot of chances, but didn’t manage to convert them all. The main thing is that we created these chances.

– Did you achieve your goal by winning?
– We spent first 20 minutes very well winning 2-0.

– Real Madrid were very confident, the game should have ended with hammering, but it didn’t happen...
– Yes, we reduced intensity throughout the match, we felt quite comfortable after the 20th minute. The goal that we have conceded before the break made us realize that the match was not over. Such things happen, although we played well. It may seem that the match was easy, but it was not. If you do not convert all the chances, the opponent may use this opportunity. I think that Shakhtar had one chance in the first half, but our defence took everything under control in the second one.

– Does the fact that Real Madrid relax at the most important moment and do not put a squeeze on the opponent bother you?
– The team do not relax when it is inappropriate, but when the game is under your control and the score is 2-0 in your favour, players may let the situation go. We are all humans and all individuals may relax in such moments. I am satisfied, because my team carried out combinations and led the game perfectly. All three forwards performed wonderful things being at front at the same time. Federico Valverde entered the game perfectly and Kroos and the centre field footballers carried out an excellent work with the ball, so the middle line continued to attack. It doesn’t bother me. Of course, we have to increase the intensity, maintain the pace – it is important, but not always possible.

– 3 wins and 9 points in 3 opening matches of the Champions League. How would you assess the result considering the upcoming World Cup?
– It is important to get as many points in the Champions League as possible and advance to the tournament play-off as soon as possible, as the matches take a lot of energy.

– Rodrygo acted unusually deeply. How do you see the combination game of the Brazilian with Benzema and Vinicius? Is it possible to see Rodrygo exactly in this position more often in the future?
– Indeed, we change his position a little to add pressure on two central defenders of the opponent, because Shakhtar’s defenders were good with the ball, but we tried to create problems for them through the continuous pressure. Rodrygo interacted with Benzema quite well and I think that we can play using 4–4–2 formation, because Rodrygo adds a great quality in play with the ball. He can play in any position, although this substitution was not made with emphasis on defence. We just needed to put pressure on the opponent’s defenders.

– Does Rodrygo have any problems with his health?
– Minor calf cramp, nothing serious, there is no major injury.

– What can you say about Benzema? Did he succeed, did he create chances?
– He played a crucial role in the attack finishing stage in his position with his quality level. He did not convert a penalty in the previous match, but we don’t think about that. He recovers his form, now he played the full time and we are satisfied with him.

– Rodrygo scored the goal and provided assist. Is it his best time in Madrid?
– Since he came, he has been experiencing his best times. He has to progress and he loves it, he gains more confidence, takes part in finishing of the attacks, receives more playing time. But Rodrygo deserved it.

another languages: uk ru

Sport NewsRSS - Sport News - Terrikon

25 June

08:17
Which teams have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16?
01:50
FIFA Club World Cup shock: Auckland City hold Boca Juniors to sensational draw
01:36
Benfica beat Bayern to top Group С at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

24 June

23:02
Official: Olympique Lyon Relegated to Ligue 2
19:20
Beşiktaş Eyes Ambitious Summer Rebuild with Rashford, Schick, and Muriqi Among Targets
17:42
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: top-scorer race
16:34
Champions League 2025/26: 29 Teams Already Qualified
15:15
Mascherano on Messi’s Mindset: “He’s Better When He’s Angry”
14:44
Bundesliga 2025/26 Fixtures to Be Released This Friday
07:20
Palmeiras Leave It Late to Top Group A After Dramatic Draw with Inter Miami
00:53
Atletico Gift PSG Top Spot but Bow Out of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
00:47
PSG Secure Top Spot in Group B to Reach Club World Cup Last 16

23 June

20:17
Manchester United’s 2025 Pre-Season: Fixtures, Transfers & Key Dates
19:53
Viktor Vatsko: Mykhailo Mudryk’s Immediate Future Lies Away from Chelsea
17:19
Al Hilal Offer Victor Osimhen €160M Deal in Saudi Transfer Push
16:25
Darwin Núñez Set to Join Napoli in €50M Move from Liverpool
13:58
Athletic Club Favour Bayern Munich Over Barcelona in Nico Williams Transfer Saga
11:44
Jude Bellingham to Undergo Shoulder Surgery After FIFA Club World Cup
10:39
Al Hilal Reach Verbal Agreement with Theo Hernandez
10:20
Salzburg and Al Hilal Leave Qualification Hanging Ahead of Final Group Stage Clash
09:55
Total Domination: Manchester City Obliterate Al Ain with Ruthless 6–0 Victory
09:33
U21 Euros: Germany Edge 9-Man Italy in Extra-Time Thriller
09:12
Oklahoma City Thunder Crowned NBA Champions
01:07
Xabi Alonso Earns First Win as Real Madrid Manager in Club World Cup Thriller
00:35
Alonso Praises Courtois After Heroic Display in Real Madrid's Hard-Fought Win