Ancelotti: "Rodrygo made the difference" | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti spoke at the press conference following Real Madrid's win against Cádiz at the Nuevo Mirandilla and assessed the LaLiga matchday 14 fixture: "Rodrygo returned and made the difference today. Modrić picked up an hamstring strain and I think it's nothing more than that. He played very well in a position that is not his on a defensive level. We played well, we played with quality, a good attitude and we controlled the tempo well. We're very happy because the result looks straightforward after the game, but we had to set the game on the right course and we did so from start to finish".

"Difficulties can sometimes provide an opportunity and added motivation. The players understood this perfectly well. We've got some very important players out, but we've dealt well with players being out on other occasions and also today as the team played very well out on the pitch. The win today gives me a lot of confidence going into the rest of the games".

Assessment of the season "We've done very well so far. The team has competed and always fought hard. We've won a lot of games. It's an important time of the season because we've got important games in the league in the run up to Christmas and we also want to finish top of the Champions League group".

Rüdiger's great performance "The doubt I had today was him or Alaba. Nacho has trained well and has always contributed. I rested Alaba because they were using the long ball a lot and Rüdiger helped us more because he's good in the air. The three centre-backs are doing very well and I might rotate Rüdiger in the coming games". Bellingham's fitness "He feels good with the protection and he played very well today, just like the others".

Ceballos' return "He's in very good shape right now and the way we play football is going to help him because he's a very unselfish player and he manages the ball well. He's been out for a long time, but luckily he's back and he's back in good shape".

Lunin "The important thing was that he was ready so soon after Kepa's injury. He did very well. I think Kepa will play against Granada if he's fit".

Brahim's last-minute withdrawal "I wanted to rest Rodrygo because he'd only trained yesterday after a long trip. Brahim had an intestinal problem and was unable to play. I got lucky because I put Rodrygo in and he did very well".