Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti’s post-match press conference against Union Berlin

Real Madrid beat Union Berlin in the final game of Group C in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Los Blancos made it through to the Round of 16 with a perfect record while the German side, despite the hope that came and went in such a crazy game, were knocked out of Europe’s elite competition.

A double from Joselu in the second half saw Real Madrid take the lead after Volland had shocked the stadium by putting his side 1-0 up on the stroke of half-time. A missed penalty was taken advantage of by Union Berlin, who caught Madrid sleeping on the counter.

Kral restored parity late on but Dani Ceballos’ deflected goal crushed the hopes of the Germans who, despite Braga’s loss to Napoli, will not play any more continental football this season.

After the game, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press:

Real Madrid have not scored a penalty this season:

Looking for a reason is tough, as Luka is normally cold-blooded when it comes to scoring. Training [penalties] isn’t easy either. We practice, with Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Joselu, what can I say? I hope it changes.

Are you happy with Ceballos’ game as a claim to find a role in the team?

Above all that’s the positive part. Ceballos was important today and showed his quality. Joselu did as well, he’s a great striker in the box. In the first half we didn’t cross a lot and with a striker like Joselu we have to do it more, six or seven crosses at least. The players who played a little less are taking advantage of their opportunities.

Wasn’t it a bit risky to play Bellingham given the injury risk or a second yellow?

He’s doing really well. There wasn’t a [physical] risk in this game. The only pre-planned change was Kroos for Valverde. He was a little tired and I wanted to just give them 45 minutes each.

Full screen

How do you think Fran García played?

Very good, he was very good. In the second half we took advantage of him more.

What did you tell the players at half-time?

I said we had 40 good minutes and 2 crazy minutes. It’s a lack of concentration that we have to calmly fix. I said to keep up and enjoy playing in the wide areas because we didn’t take advantage of it in the first half.

Do you have any negatives in terms of the group stage?

No. We did really well. In the second half [of the Group Stage] we improved our game. In the last two games we have managed the advantage well; today and against Betis, we have to manage it better. You can’t think that with possession you can control everything, you have to finish things off.

What are your feelings on the game?

A bit strange. We controlled the first half well, we dominated, but 2 crazy minutes complicated everything. Fortunately in the second half we tried to be more efficient, putting crosses in as we have a forward who is good with his head and he scored 2 headers. In the first half we looked too many times to play centrally and there weren’t any spaces. With Joselu on the pitch you have to go down that route, with crosses.

How important are both Joselu and Ceballos?

Well, Joselu has 8 goals already and he’s started the season well. He’s important this season and he has key characteristics against tight teams. As for Ceballos, he deserved his goal, because it’s been tough for him to get back to fitness. He hasn’t had it easy. As well as the goal, which is obviously important, he had a really good game.