Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid’s comeback win against Man City: ‘I think the victory was deserved’ | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti believes Real Madrid comeback win against Manchester City was “deserved” after Jude Bellingham’s 92nd minute goal secured victory for Los Blancos.

Real had been behind twice in the match after Erling Haaland scored either side of Kylian Mbappe’s impromptu equaliser, but Ancelotti’s side rallied, with Brahim Diaz and then Bellingham scoring late on to secure an impressive comeback win for the current Champions League holders.

Ancelotti praised his players for conducting a “complete game”, especially given Real had to play two midfielders in defence after a raft of long-term defensive injuries:

“I always say to the Spanish journalists, defending is a team problem,” Ancelotti said. “Today we were a team that defended well. Four defenders who never played together, they played a good game because the team worked really well defensively altogether.

“We feel calm and happy. We did well in the first half of this tie. We have taken a small advantage. We have to continue like this in the second leg. The match went well.

“I think it was a complete game in all aspects. Everyone has worked. We have had many opportunities. We have not given up when we were behind. It was a very complete game.

“I think the victory is deserved. They took advantage with the penalty, but our front four were very effective. They could have had a little more success, but they have generated a lot with mobility and quality.

“I don’t think much is going to change. It’s [the second leg] going to be a complete game. It should be noted that we defended well, with a compact block. When we have put pressure on each other again, they have created problems for us.”

Ancelotti was also asked about the banner that City supporters displayed pre-match of Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, after Los Blancos boycotted the event because Vinicius Jr did not win the award.

“I don’t know if he has seen it. Watching his game, perhaps it has been a motivation for him. He has always been very dangerous.”