Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Tchouameni after Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga as they secured a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu.

First-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. put the Merengues in the driving seat but Rayo Vallecano pulled a goal back before half-time.

The second half saw the visitors threaten as Los Blancos seemingly went into a defensive mindset but managed to hold out to their lead and bag three points.

The result sees Real Madrid move to second place in the table, level on points with leaders Barcelona but behind on goal difference, although the Catalans have a game in hand.

Ancelotti shares his thoughts

Speaking to the media after the match, manager Carlo Ancelotti touched upon the performances of his players and the whistles from the fans after the game, saying:

“The feeling is good, because the objective was to win. The first half was very good, it could have ended 3-0 and it ended 2-1. That’s where the second half got complicated for us.

“Although we also had a lot of chances… but when you’re 2-1 up in the 75th minute, what you have to do is avoid problems and defend well. I understand that people didn’t like it, but we have to take into account that many of the teams that have played in the Champions League… have suffered.

“Inter, Liverpool… Leverkusen… Bayern… It’s very difficult to prepare for these games, against teams that are doing well and have the intensity of Rayo.”

With Luka Modric playing tonight at the Bernabeu, Ancelotti was asked if the captain will not feature on Wednesday against Atletico Madrid in the UCL. In response, he said:

“No, because he’s going to recover over the next few days. He was tired, it was a demanding game, but he’ll be fine. Hopefully Rudiger can recover from the flu… and also Courtois.”

Regarding the performances of the goalscorers Mbappe and Vinicius, as well as his decision to take off attackers late in the game, Ancelotti remarked:

“The goal is an important thing. Up until the 70′, both he and Vinicius did very well, creating a lot of chances. But when I think it’s time to defend, I take the forwards off.

“This is not a problem for me. Just as I have taken Rodrygo off, because this will be good for him.”

Ancelotti led Real Madrid to a win vs Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Further discussing Mbappe’s display, he added: “I think he played very well, he scored a spectacular goal. He’s tackling, he’s fighting. He’s doing well.”

Regarding the fitness of Jude Bellingham, who was icing his knee on the bench, and Thibaut Courtois, who was rested tonight, Ancelotti said:

“Jude is back in a good condition. He had a knock, just a knock. Nothing serious. Thibaut has a little problem and I think he will be recovered for Wednesday.”

Vinicius also earned praise from the manager after he scored his 103rd goal for Real Madrid, going equal with Brazilian legend Ronaldo, as the manager said:

“That he has a great future ahead of him, because he has reached these figures very early. Fighting and improving every season. He deserves it because, on top of everything, he’s a good kid.”

On whether there is too much ‘individualism’ in the team, Ancelotti said: “I don’t see this individualism to talk about. The first goal was a pass from Vinicus to Mbappe and the second was a spectacular play. We’ll be at our best on Wednesday.”

Touching upon Aurelien Tchouameni’s brilliant improvement in recent months, he added: “I haven’t spoken to him. He has a very strong character and personality. He is a very serious and professional worker.

“He’s handled the criticism very well and now he’s doing very well. Without the ball he is spectacular, needless to say.”

On the team’s chances of beating Atletico Madrid next Wednesday, he said: “If we play like we did in the first half… we have a good chance of going through.”

Source: AS