“It was an even match”- Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti disagrees with Xavi and says El Clasico was very well contested
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Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid came out 3-2 winners against Xavi’s Barcelona in an entertaining semi final in the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid now have five straight wins against Barcelona in all competitions. However Ancelotti in his post match thoughts disagreed with Xavi when he claimed that Barcelona were the superior of the two sides despite losing in extra-time.
Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema were once again on the scoresheet for Real Madrid but it was the substitute Fede Valverde who scored the decisive goal in the first half added time. Ansu Fati scored on his return, while Luuk De Jong now has three goals in three games for Barcelona. In the end it was the Los Blancos who progressed to the final after a well contested El Clasico.
Barcelona head coach Xavi claimed that his side created the better chances and were the superior of the two teams. Madrid on the other hand were lethal on the counter attack and scored all three goals after a breakaway. Ancelotti felt that it was an even match and his players had prepared well for the game.
“I think the team is prepared for this type of match. It was going to be a very even match. We were very effective at the start and on the counter. We failed to concede goals due to fatigue. The counter-attack was very effective. Good image of Spanish soccer.” The Real Madrid head coach said.
Ancelotti further added, “I don’t agree. It was an even match. The first half we conceded a goal due to bad luck. The second half was more even. Nobody dominated. We went down to use the counter. The three goals were spectacular. It’s more difficult for us to press forward and that’s why we used the counter-attack more”.
Carlo Ancelotti also praised the Barcelona team and said that they have a talented group of young players. “Barcelona have a very good squad. They have recovered players and the team is going to improve.”
Vinicius junior and Karim Benzema once again key for Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival at Real Madrid in the summer has completely rejuvenated the likes of Vinicius junior and Karim Benzema. The duo has scored a combined of 37 goals and provided 18 assists in all competitions between them. As a result Real Madrid are five points clear on top of the La Liga table and in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.
The attacking output of the pair is key for the rest of the season as Ancelotti’s side face PSG in the round of 16 of UEFA Champions League, their toughest test of the season so far.
How many goals the Real Madrid duo will score till the end of the season ?
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Waseem Shaikh
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