Carlo Ancelotti: We have greater balance now

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hailed his side’s response to the loss to Atletico de Madrid 10 days ago.

In the three games since that defeat at home to Los Colchoneros, Real have won their three games – two in La Liga and one in the Champions League – scoring 18 goals along the way.

Speaking after the latest win, a 5-1 victory over Elche at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti told reporters his team has come a long way in a short space of time.

“The team played well, with greater balance, control and consistency. We reacted well after conceding. It isn’t a question of the system; it’s the work that everyone puts in. The team is in much better physical shape than against Atlético,” he stated.

And he added: “As you improve physically, it’s easier to have balance. We try to defend in a 4-4-2 and attack with a different system, so as to get good use out of the characteristics of our attackers.”

He also hailed Cristiano Ronaldo’s unique talent at being in the right moment at the right time and his incredible speed throughout the game. The Portuguese netted four times on Tuesday, meaning he has scored seven in his last two matches.

“He doesn’t like playing with his back to goal, he wants to look for spaces on the wing to be facing goal. The movements he makes are very quick and that’s why they come as a surprise. He is always in just the right position because he has a unique gift for movement,” Ancelotti said.

“He needed a period of time in which to work; he has done that with the discipline and professionalism that he has. He’s in very good physical shape, he’s motivated and he’s scoring a lot of goals.”