Ancelotti: “The spirit of this shirt makes us believe until the last minute” | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu following Real Madrid’s win against Union Berlin on matchday one of Group C in the Champions League: "This was the way the match was planned. It was tough, with a lot of control and with Union Berlin defending very well in a low block. They didn't allow us any space between the lines. We were excellent at recovering after losing the ball and at set pieces. We could've scored earlier, but scoring in the last minute is crucial. The spirit of this shirt makes us believe until the last minute. The team gave their all until the end.”

“The idea was to remain patient and we were too patient. These are games like this, which you can call traps. We still remember the Sheriff game. In this type of match it's important to prevent counter-attacks. Rüdiger's performance was outstanding and we did well at the back because we weren't up against it.”

Both halves “We changed a few things at half-time. The second half was better for us because the opposition put less pressure on us compared to the first half. In the second half, the opposition's energy fell a bit and we had more space and chances. Fortunately, we didn't have to come back today. Union Berlin are very strong in the air and on the second ball and we did very well there.”

Praise for Bellingham “He has quality and it looks like he's lucky. This goal is similar to the one against Getafe, but you have to be there. He's smarter than others when attacking from the second line. He has this quality and he's making the most of it. I haven't set anyone a goal target.”

100% win record “What I think today is what I thought before the start of the competition. We have a competitive squad to compete in all competitions. If we'd drawn, it wouldn't have changed my opinion of this squad: it has a lot of quality.” Joselu’s contribution “He's doing really well and today he could've scored again. He helps us a lot with the ball into the box. It's quite clear. We're more powerful in the air than we were before with the arrival of Bellingham as well. He hit the post in the second half and almost scored twice in the first half.”

Rodrygo “These games are difficult for him because he's very good when the game is open. In the last few games we've had more control, but in tight spaces. In open space he can get more chances. Today he was a bit unlucky because on other occasions he would've scored.”

Vini Jr.’s recovery “He's one of the best forwards in the world. He makes the difference. Vinicius will be back next Wednesday. We'll see if he makes it for Sunday.”

Kroos and Modrić “They contribute a lot. It's good to have great midfielders. I can't imagine a midfielder being on the bench for four or five games in a row. Everyone can contribute, whether they start or come on in the second half. It's not easy to understand for a player who won't be starting, but it's not so difficult to think that he will contribute in the second half when the opposition is tired.”

Favourites for the Champions League? “Claiming to be favourites doesn't help us. We have to fight and battle in every match. It's better to think about other things.”

Brahim “He's one of the most affected players in this first part of the season, but whenever he's come on he's always contributed. The idea is to give him more minutes.”