Real Madrid’s quarter-final tie with Espanyol is not decided yet, despite Los Blancos taking a first-leg lead back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
A Karim Benzema header was enough to give Los Merengues a slender 1-0 lead at Cornell-El Prat, and ensured Madrid keep their impressive record of having won every game played in 2014 and without conceding a goal.
Speaking at the press conference after the match, Ancelotti said he was happy with the team’s intensity and desire. He admitted that without the second goal, it made for uncomfortable viewing at times, but the defence once again did a superb job.
“We only suffered a bit at the end. The team played well, with quality, pace and intensity. We recovered the ball well, had no problems at the back and finished without conceding. It was a good match, it is normal that we suffered a bit at the end after having not scored the second,” he stated.
The Italian warned his players that Espanyol will come out fighting in the return leg at the Bernabeu, and they will need to be alert.
“It is the cup quarter-finals and we have to put out our best team; the tie is still to be decided. Espanyol played very well and with a lot of spirit. The tie is still to be decided and we will play with our best team in the second leg,” he said.
