Real Madrid took the 8th victory in the last 8 at Real Arena and now sees that the nearest opponent (Sevilla) sits 8 points behind in the second place (with one game in hand actually). The team made a very good performance and will face Atletico next week with a higher level of confidence. The only negative thing of the night was the discomfort that pushed Benzema out of the pitch in the first half. With two upcoming crucial games in the next 7 days and with the end of the first phase of the season at the door, Ancelotti’s men should keep calm and continue their road being very attentive.
Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the triumph in the following terms: “Those stats suggest that we’re performing well. This is a tough place to come to and they’re a strong side. We played well and deserved the win after what was a strong all-round performance. We've got that lead at the top because we're playing well, are showing ourselves to be a solid side and are getting that consistency in our results”.
He added: “It seemed like it was a straightforward game but it wasn't because Real Sociedad have real quality and the fact that they weren't able to show all of that quality is down to my team, who put in a strong all-round display. I don't want to go thinking about winning LaLiga now and I don't want anyone to think about it because every game is a battle and we have to be very smart because our next games come thick and fast”.
On Benzema: “This was a good night for us, but the league season continues and you've got to get results in every game. There are teams that are competing really well and are tough to beat. Karim had a problem and felt a bit of discomfort and I didn't want to force things. I decided to bring him off and we'll see how he's doing in the coming days. I don't think he'll be available for Tuesday night, but he could well be for Sunday”.
About Jović: “I believe that he’s a good striker, just like Mariano is. He has different strengths to Karim. He’s less heavily involved in the possession phase, but he's very strong physically and is really good at playing one-twos. Vinicius’s opening goal is classic Jović, he gets his body in there and lays the ball off and the second goal was a typical penalty box striker’s goal”.
“I want to congratulate him because both he and the other players who haven't had as much game time this season are seizing and enjoying the opportunities that I will give them. For me personally, the joy following a victory isn't as big as it might be because of the players who haven't played and likely deserve to play. Jović was tonight the first of those players and that's the problem I've got in my role”.
“The victory was earned from a team that fights to win and that’s what they’ve been doing. They’re performing well right now, but I know the game really well and we’ll be put to the test in three days’ time and everything can change. We have to move on and think about the next game against Inter”.
Alaba and Militão: “They both have great individual ability. They’re both extraordinary players. Militão is physically strong and has great aerial ability. The combination of their quality is great for the team. They’ve been playing well with the keeper behind them, who is also strong, and we’ve been defensively solid in that regard”.
Defence: “Pleased. Today’s game was different to the one against Athletic. It was an important game and what I liked was the way we defended. I’ve never doubted our ability to attack, but the team’s desire in this period has been very good”.
Madrid Derby: “We go into the match with confidence, knowing that it’s an important game, because the derby is always special. There’re no favourites in these games and we’re going to put our quality to the test against Atlético. It’ll be a tough game, so we’ll see what happens”.
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