Real Madrid took another three points to continue the positive run in Champions League and to get closer and closer to the qualification that will bring them to the next round. In a match where the White team was caught some times playing under the required tone, the team still managed to get a victory. Carlo Ancelotti spoke after the match versus the Ukrainians of Shakhtar Donetsk and highlighted the fact that Real dropped off a bit as the minutes passed.
The Italian coach had the following to say: "I certainly know what the atmosphere is like here and the fans demand to encourage us and play better. We started well in both halves, but then dropped off a bit and that can happen. It’s good that the fans wake us up with some whistles. It's okay, it helps us".
"At halftime I told them that when we scored the first goal we needed to wait a bit, but we had to be more aggressive and be more effective with the ball. We had possession, but weren’t doing them any damage", he added.
Deep defensive block: "In the first half Shakhtar, looked for the ball in behind our defence and that's how they scored. With ten minutes to go having a deeper block meant we didn't have these problems and we also felt a bit of fatigue. If you press Shakhtar you can hurt them between the lines. That was our specific strategy for this game and against this team".
The side: "Everyone works hard in this team. Militão and Alaba have worked extremely well and everyone knows what kind of quality there is in the midfield. Vinicius Jr, Benzema and Courtois were outstanding, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid and not just these three, even if they have done better than the others in this period".
About Hazard: “Hazard is ready to play. It could have been today or it could be on Saturday. He’s in need of game time to get him into the best shape and he'll get those minutes when his time comes. I thought that I could have brought him on, but in terms of our strategy, I preferred to bring a winger, like Lucas Vázquez, on to get some joy down the flanks”.
Substitutions: “I bought Nacho on to give us greater control down their left flank and because Carvajal was tiring. I also brought Benzema off because of a fitness issue. I’d expect them to be cross. I understand how a player who's been warming up for 40 minutes feels when they don't get on. Marcelo, who has won a few Champions League trophies, was warming up for 40 minutes and I'm sorry that he didn't get on, but today I decided just to make the two changes”.
Vinicius Jr.: “He's on a very good run, both in terms of goals and assists. Both goals were down to him: the first one came about from his high press and the other was following link-up play with Casemiro and Benzema. He's in top form”.
Player ratings are as follows:
Thibaut Courtois: 8.0
Came up with no less than two crucial saves and the distribution from his feet was strong. One of the best passing performances from Courtois all season.
Dani Carvajal: 5
Still getting back into rhythm and was substituted off in the second half as Carlo is managing his minutes.
Eder Militao: 6.5
Would be a higher rating, if not for the critical error Militao made on the Shakhtar goal. Completely fell asleep and allowed Fernando a free shot on goal. Besides his mistake, was huge in stepping up and reading passing lanes. This part of his game continues to develop.
David Alaba: 6
Not always on the same wavelength as the rest of the backline and his rating falls, maybe harshly, because he is the leader of the backline and expected to put all the troops in order.
Ferland Mendy: 5.0
Some needless fouls and limited impact in the final third — not one of Mendy’s best days at the office.
Casemiro: 5.0
Typical Casemiro performance this season, gave away the ball easily in his own third, but did pop up on the go-ahead goal with a crucial pre-assist, rouletting the ball inside Shakthar’s box to Vinicius Junior.
Toni Kroos: 5.0
Had an uncharacteristically bad pass to Militao in the first half which nearly led to a dangerous Shakthar opportunity. Pressed well in the opening 20 minutes and had some good tackles in the match, but did not stamp his usual authority.
Luka Modric: 6.0
Should have scored within the opening 10 minutes after being played through with a 1 v 1 inside the six yard box. Was part of the lovely build-up play ahead of the second Madrid goal.
Lucas Vazquez: 6.5
Ancelotti started Lucas on the right wing to provide width and defensive solidity and he did both.
Vinicius Junior: 8.0
Even when Madrid plays poorly, Vinicius can make the difference and that’s a sign of a great player. His current form places him as one of the best in the world. 2 assists, 5 key passes, and 4 completed dribbles — a menace.
Karim Benzema: 8.0
Two goals on a night where he was not as involved offensively as he is usually is with regards to the team’s build up. Admitted after the match that he is still working through a niggle, but is enjoying every game.
Substitutions:
Nacho: 6.0
Played at right back, replacing Carvajal, and shored up the backline for the final 25 minutes. A good performance with no allowed risks.
Luka Jovic: 5.0
Drew some fouls while holding up the ball and released Vinicius Junior on a dangerous counter attack but did’t do anything special.
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