Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid, has given an explanation for his team’s 3-1 victory over Barcelona in Sunday’s LaLiga El Clasico.
Ancelotti oversaw Real Madrid’s win against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, thanks to a late penalty from Rodrygo.
Barcelona’s goal from Ferran Torres was not enough as Real Madrid’s had more goals came from Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde.
Ancelotti stated in his post-match press conference that the Los Blancos prevailed against Xavi Hernandez’s team because his men were clinical in the first half and good defensively.
Ancelotti said, “The key was the first half when we were clinical. We managed to bring the ball out from the back well against their press.
“We were good defensively, not leaving them much space, and then we were clinical up front.
“That first half was the key. The intensity of the first half could not be kept up the whole game, but the game was under control. In the second half, Barcelona pushed a bit more and we didn’t bring the ball out as well, but we still didn’t suffer too much at the back.”
Real Madrid currently leads the LaLiga standings with 25 points after nine games, followed by Barca with 22 points after the same amount of games.