Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti lauded the character of his team following their hard-earned 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, keeping their LaLiga title hopes alive.
Federico Valverde was the hero with a late winner to help Los Blancos move four points behind leaders Barcelona.
“Valverde was the key because he scored the goal,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“The team did well. We were a bit slower in the first half, but in the second half we did very well in every aspect. We wanted to win, to bounce back after being knocked out of the Champions League.
“It was a good match. We were aggressive and didn’t concede. We were more solid and played better as a team.”
Real lacked a spark in the first 45 but looked better after the break, with midfielder Jude Bellingham playing as a false nine.
“We controlled the first half, we didn’t feel any pressure from Athletic, but we didn’t create any chances,” Ancelotti added.
“[Bellingham as false nine] gave us a big advantage last year. We didn’t use it in the first half, but we did in the second. We attacked many times from the outside and he was there to finish it off. He deserved to score.”
Ancelotti also lauded winger Vinicius Jr, stating he was instrumental in the win, having a goal disallowed late in the second half and spearheading the frontline in the absence of the suspended Kylian Mbappe.
“Vinicius has a fantastic attitude and was exhausted in the second half. He was decisive, as always,” the Italian coach continued.
“These haven’t been happy days for him, but I really liked his reaction. He’s going to be very important in the coming games, because of what he is on the pitch and because of his attitude.”
