Davide Ancelotti talks Mbappe, title race and Ceballos after Alaves 0-1 Real Madrid | OneFootball

After back to back defeats to Valencia and Arsenal, Real Madrid returned to winning ways on Sunday as they secured a narrow 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves.

It was a hard-fought win for Los Blancos, who were down to ten men in the first half, no thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s rash tackle that earned him a red card and could leave him suspended for two matches.

Alaves, though, also lost a player in the second half when Manu Sanchez also picked up a red card. Ultimately, it was Eduardo Camavinga’s first half goal that became the main differentiator between the sides.

What Davide Ancelotti said after Real Madrid win over Alaves

Speaking to the media in the post-match press conference, Davide Ancelotti talked about Real Madrid’s chances in the title race as well as the Champions League.

“Both are difficult, and we’re going to try both. We know we have to earn it, that it’s not enough to have the quality we have, and that some things have to go well. But everyone is convinced we’re going to try in La Liga and in the Champions League as well,” he said (h/t MARCA).

Talking about the game itself, Davide pointed out that the win against Alaves will be a morale-booster for the team going into Wednesday’s clash against Arsenal.

“The win gives us confidence. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. What happened in the match made things a little more difficult for us, but winning gives us confidence for what we want to see happen next Wednesday,” he said.

Davide also talked about Mbappe’s rash challenge on Antonio Blanco which earned him the red card. The Italian admitted that the challenge warranted the red card.

Davide Ancelotti is hopeful heading into the Arsenal game (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“I haven’t spoken to him since. Kylian isn’t a violent kid; he’s a kid who apologized and is aware of what he did. It was a clear red card, and he paid the consequences.

“The many small offenses he’s been subjected to have made him react this way, which isn’t right. I’m not justifying him, but that’s what happened,” he said.

Davide Ancelotti was also asked about the chants against Raul Asencio by Alaves fans, who even called for his death.

“What’s happening is disappointing for society, but on the pitch we have to compete. We’re not the ones who have to take measures.

“Everyone hopes it won’t happen, but it’s quite disappointing for society, and that’s the way it is. It’s the referee who has to activate the protocol,” he said.

Davide talked about his position on the Real Madrid coaching staff, with the Italian notably thanking his father, who had to sit out on the stands due to a suspension.

“He’s handled everything very naturally. Two years ago, my father had COVID, and he always gives me a lot of confidence; he didn’t need to tell me anything. We’ve been in communication, but he gave me freedom in the last few minutes, and if I’m here, it’s thanks to him,” he said.

Finally, the Real Madrid second-in-charge talked about Dani Ceballos, whose fitness has become the big talking point heading into the Arsenal game.

Ceballos did come on a substitute against Alaves, but Davide admitted it was more of a time-wasting strategy. He also refused to offer any details on whether or not the midfielder will start against Arsenal on Wednesday.

“Dani trained well, he was fully available, but his substitution was more of a time-waster. The game was crazy, and we didn’t want that at the end. He’s a player who’s done well this season and he’ll help us on Wednesday, whether he starts or not,” he concluded.