“The squad is very eager and there is a very positive atmosphere”, added the Italian in the press room.
Ancelotti singled out his team's hard work against Bayern. Satisfied with the victory, but aware that there are still 90 minutes left to play before reaching the final, the Whites' coach stated: “We did a good job. Everyone had a great game. The fans' support was significant, and the atmosphere was spectacular. Our job is to do everything possible to take our fans to Lisbon”.
“We worked well as a unit, the players were unselfish and mentally strong. The team is full of desire, and while we might not play well all the time, the commitment among the squad members is great. The atmosphere is very positive. We need sacrifice, courage, quality and personality next Tuesday. The tie is wide open, we have a slight lead but no one knows what might happen”.
Different periods during the game
“We were a bit too timid at the beginning. We played a better pressing game towards the end in comparison to the start of the game. We didn't cope well with the pressure during the first few minutes. After that, the team began to play together and work a lot better. We controlled the play a lot more in the second half, although we weren't clinical with our chances during the first. We could have scored more, but the same can be said for Bayern. Iker pulled off a great save. Diego will play on Saturday and Iker will play on Tuesday”.
Chances
“The team was really effective during the first half, and created a few clear-cut chances. This side is formidable on the break. It makes sense to counter attack against Bayern. I don't like to concede possession but against some sides it can be more difficult to have the ball. I like to hold onto possession because as long as you have it your opponent can't score”.
Cristiano Ronaldo
“Cristiano put in a great shift, he was completely sure he could play and luckily everything worked out nicely. He wasn't in optimum shape though. Without Bale and with Ronaldo at only 50% it was always going to be tough. Cristiano has done very little speed work over the past few days. The most important thing is that he played to help us. He worked extremely hard and we are happy”.
“We worked well as a unit, the players were unselfish and mentally strong. The team is full of desire, and while we might not play well all the time, the commitment among the squad members is great. The atmosphere is very positive. We need sacrifice, courage, quality and personality next Tuesday. The tie is wide open, we have a slight lead but no one knows what might happen”.
Different periods during the game
“We were a bit too timid at the beginning. We played a better pressing game towards the end in comparison to the start of the game. We didn't cope well with the pressure during the first few minutes. After that, the team began to play together and work a lot better. We controlled the play a lot more in the second half, although we weren't clinical with our chances during the first. We could have scored more, but the same can be said for Bayern. Iker pulled off a great save. Diego will play on Saturday and Iker will play on Tuesday”.
Chances
“The team was really effective during the first half, and created a few clear-cut chances. This side is formidable on the break. It makes sense to counter attack against Bayern. I don't like to concede possession but against some sides it can be more difficult to have the ball. I like to hold onto possession because as long as you have it your opponent can't score”.
Cristiano Ronaldo
“Cristiano put in a great shift, he was completely sure he could play and luckily everything worked out nicely. He wasn't in optimum shape though. Without Bale and with Ronaldo at only 50% it was always going to be tough. Cristiano has done very little speed work over the past few days. The most important thing is that he played to help us. He worked extremely hard and we are happy”.
WE NEED SACRIFICE, COURAGE, QUALITY AND PERSONALITY NEXT TUESDAY.
“Taking Cristiano off was a decision we made before the game. The risk we ran was only applicable if he played for over an hour. He played well, although he wasn't 100%. His performance was full of sacrifice and he'll be playing on Tuesday”.
The game in Munich
“The second leg will be very difficult. We have a slight advantage and will have to play as confidently as we have done tonight. There's no telling what might happen there, but I am confident. We know we'll be made to suffer, but we'll be full of fighting spirit and give it our all, just like we have done today. With the quality of the squad, Real Madrid can beat anyone. This is a very important part of the season and everyone's hard work is helping us pick up good results”.
The defensive performance
“The Pepe injury is a blow. The full backs were excellent. Bayern played a lot down the wings and the defenders worked well together to stop them. Coentrão was very reliable, as he always is. He always gives it his all when he plays. Without making mistakes, playing intelligently and staying focused throughout the game”.
The game in Munich
“The second leg will be very difficult. We have a slight advantage and will have to play as confidently as we have done tonight. There's no telling what might happen there, but I am confident. We know we'll be made to suffer, but we'll be full of fighting spirit and give it our all, just like we have done today. With the quality of the squad, Real Madrid can beat anyone. This is a very important part of the season and everyone's hard work is helping us pick up good results”.
The defensive performance
“The Pepe injury is a blow. The full backs were excellent. Bayern played a lot down the wings and the defenders worked well together to stop them. Coentrão was very reliable, as he always is. He always gives it his all when he plays. Without making mistakes, playing intelligently and staying focused throughout the game”.
