Carlo Ancelotti insisted that factors on the board had been the main target as an alternative of performances after they edged to a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Actual’s seventeenth LaLiga victory of the season moved them stage on factors with leaders Barcelona on the summit, although Hansi Flick’s aspect do have a sport in hand on their rivals.
Two objectives in 4 first-half minutes from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior had Los Blancos in management, however Pedro Diaz’s objective simply earlier than the break halved the deficit.
Goalscorers Mbappe and Vinicius squandered wonderful alternatives to make the scoreline extra comfy within the second half, however Actual had been in a position to maintain on for an essential three factors.
However Ancelotti’s aspect had been made to work for his or her win, dealing with a number of makes an attempt from Vallecano within the contest that gathered an anticipated objectives (xG) complete of simply 1.02.
Rayo had 20 photographs to Actual’s 10 within the contest. Aside from Barcelona, that is the most important distinction for a Los Blancos opponent on the Bernabeu in a LaLiga sport since January 2008 (+10 v Actual Zaragoza).
Actual have additionally now conceded 51 objectives in 46 video games this season in all competitions. Amongst LaLiga golf equipment, solely Actual Valladolid (68) and Girona (52) have let in additional.
“The sensation is nice, as a result of the target was to win,” Ancelotti instructed a press convention.
“The primary half was superb. It might have ended 3-0 or much more, however we missed just a few probabilities, they usually discovered the 2-1 that made the second half a bit extra sophisticated, though we additionally had lots of probabilities.
“However if you’re 2-1 up within the seventy fifth minute, what it’s important to do is keep away from issues and defend properly. I perceive that individuals didn’t prefer it, however now we have to have in mind the busy schedule we face, additionally enjoying within the Champions League and Copa del Rey…
“It’s very troublesome to arrange for all these video games and preserve the identical depth for 90 minutes.”
51 – Actual Madrid have conceded 51 objectives in 46 video games this season in all competitions, solely Actual Valladolid (68) and Girona (52) have conceded extra between @LaLigaEN groups (51 additionally Valencia). Holes#RealMadridRayo pic.twitter.com/ULuyluOKhW
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 9, 2025
The victory was a giant confidence booster forward of their Champions League spherical of 16 second leg towards metropolis rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
And Ancelotti mentioned that he was hopeful that each Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger could be out there for his or her conflict with Diego Simeone’s aspect, with the pair lacking Sunday’s match.
“Thibaut (Courtois) has a small drawback, however I feel he shall be recovered simply positive for Wednesday. Hopefully Rudiger can recuperate from the sickness he’s struggling, a flu,” Ancelotti mentioned.
“The workforce is trying positive and gamers look recent, contemplating the calendar. If we play on Wednesday like we did within the first half at present, now we have an excellent likelihood of going by means of.”
