Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expresses delight with his team’s performance in their 3-0 triumph at Girona on Saturday which saw them return to winning ways following recent disappointing displays.
Los Blancos had suffered a midweek 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao, a fourth defeat in seven games across all competitions.
Real’s win over Girona reduced the gap to leaders Barcelona to just two points, as they also have a game in hand, regaining control of the title race with a lengthy injury situation which includes key player Vinicius Jr and with Kylian Mbappe under immense pressure.
“[Jude] Bellingham has scored his fifth goal in a row. He’s back and in good form. Mbappe scored today too,” Ancelotti said in a post match interview.
“We have to hang in there, little by little we’re coming back.
“We had to hold on at the beginning because [Girona] pushed hard. We did a good job collectively, and then we handled the advantage well.
“The team had more clarity and more idea. I think the second half went very well.”
The Italian also lauded Arda Guler’s performance after the Turkish youngster scored Real’s second goal, and put in a solid overall performance despite playing time being few and far between.
“He wasn’t good in the first half but in the second half he scored a fantastic goal,” Ancelotti added.
“What I want to highlight is his work. He runs a lot and helps the team. His goal takes a bit of pressure off him.
“He’s a young player with a lot of pressure around him and it’s good for him to take a bit of pressure off.”
The Spanish champions now face their attention to the Champions League where they travel to Serie A leaders Atalanta on Tuesday, looking to move up from 24th place – the last spot that qualifies for the knockout round playoffs.
Ancelotti added that he expects Brazilian stars Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo to return back to the side in Bergamo.
