Carlo Ancelotti post-match press conference after Atlético Madrid Spanish Super Cup semi-final

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press after Real Madrid’s dramatic 5-3 win over Atlético Madrid in Saudi Arabia which sent them to the Spanish Super Cup final.

The Italian coach, who labelled the game “spectacular”, admitted that Atlético had the better of the first half, while saying that his side improved after the break. “Atleti lacked energy. It was a spectacular game because I think we had more energy in the second half. Atleti are a very strong opponent”, he summarised.

“We tried to press high”, Ancelotti said on his game-plan, “recovering the ball was tough. I am happy with the substitutes, we took off Rodrygo, Vinicius and Valverde and we did well. Brahim, Ceballos, Joselu and Arda all brought a lot”.

Ancelotti not worried about quick turnaround

On the changes, he also commented that “they give me a lot of confidence, because they have earned it. It gives a coach confidence to see everyone is motivated. You can only win this type of games in this way.”

The Real Madrid boss, immediately after the game, was impressed with the amount of effort his players put in, calling it “tremendous” and “enormous” as well as labelling both sides “very strong”.

Regarding “giving everything,” as he mentioned, Ancelotti expressed that there is enough time to recover, despite the “immense energy output” being “very striking.” “The game was back and forth,” he added, “it was very competitive, with two teams fighting so much. It was a spectacle for football. We won because we had more energy at the end,” he reiterated.

Captain Carvajal ‘key’ to Real Madrid

Despite the euphoria of coming out of the other side of such a wonderful battle, the fact of the matter is that Real Madrid conceded three goals: “we have to improve that”, said Carlo after admitting he was worried about it. “Hermoso scored without shooting”, he added before conceding himself that “the second was a golazo from Griezmann that can happen”.

The game’s MVP was Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, who not only scored but also provided 2 assists. Carlo praised him as a “fantastic player” with a “tremendous personality and a spectacular character,” emphasizing that Carvajal’s presence was “key” to the game and that he “brings a lot in attack.”

A player who made pre-game headlines was Kepa, chosen over Lunin in goal: “He played well, in my opinion,” said Ancelotti. He added, “In the first two goals, he couldn’t do anything, and in the third, Morata’s jump got in the way.” As for who would play in the final, Ancelotti remained cautious, stating, “For the final, let’s see,” before cheekily adding that “it will be Kepa or Lunin.”

The game ‘good lesson for the young ones... You can lose, but never give up.’

The crazy game saw 8 goals in a Madrid derby for the first time since 1950, and Madrid hadn’t scored 5 past Atlético since 1983. When questioned about the seemingly subdued celebration, Ancelotti responded, “I think you have to keep your calm because the game had a lot of emotions. There are still 90 minutes to get the trophy, which is our objective.”

According to Carlo, the comeback was “nothing new; it’s pure Real Madrid DNA. It should be a good lesson for the young ones – this team never gives up. You can lose, but never give up.”

Toni Kroos was booed by all four sides of the ground after he came on in the second half, with Ancelotti questioning why it happened. “I don’t understand the boos”, he said, “and neither did Kroos” (who has since responded to them on Twitter). On leaving the German on the bench in place of Modric, Ancelotti explained that “Toni had a slight niggling injury and I preferred to play someone fresher. The truth is that these decisions are very complicated.”

Ancelotti admitted as well that Atlético “made us suffer”, before adding that “they have great players... they manage the ball well and that makes them dangerous. They’re organised, they have everything. These games are always difficult.”

Coaches “don’t enjoy these games”, said Ancelotti immediately after the win. We certainly do, Carlo.