Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said his team could have claimed the victory against Villarreal in La Liga but was happy to see his team pick up a point following the 2-2 draw at El Madrigal.
Los Blancos conceded an early goal but strikes from debutant Gareth Bale and another by Cristiano Ronaldo put the visitors ahead, only for Geovani dos Santos to equalise with 20 minutes remaining.
Speaking to journalists after the game, Ancelotti said his team lost focus when they were leading 2-1 and should have closed out the game, but added that the hosts were well-deserving of a share of the spoils.
“It was a difficult match. I don’t think that was the worst that we have played. We scored two goals and if we had paid a little bit more attention we could have won but it’s a fair result because Villarreal played well. They are a good team,” he said.
Ancelotti also had words of praise for Bale, a 91 million summer signing, and Diego Lopez, who continues to be picked ahead of club captain Iker Casillas.
On Bale, the Italian stated: “I think he’s happy to score his first goal for Real Madrid. He played in a difficult match and he played well, showing his good attitude. It was a hard match for everyone.”
And on Lopez he said: “He played well, he was very active and was always ready. I don’t know if he saved us from losing. I think if we had paid a little more attention we could have won, since at 1-2 we found it easy.”
