Ancelotti evaluates Real Madrid’s draw in Germany as a “good result” and praises Vinicius Junior

This Tuesday, the Real Madrid visited the Bayern Munchenna Allianz Arena, and tied 2-2. In the match, valid for the first leg of the semi-final of Champions League, the Spanish club had two goals from Vinicius Junior, while the Germans scored with Sané and Harry Kane. Carlo Ancelotti assessed the draw as a good result and highlighted Bayern’s quality.

“It was a good effort. I think Bayern were at their best, we weren’t. It’s a good result that gives us hope for the second game. Everything is open, because Bayern showed the quality they have”, said the Italian.

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The coach stated that Real Madrid lacked defensive intensity in the first half, however he considered the draw a fair score. Ancelotti also took the opportunity to comment on the second game, at the Santiago Bernabéu, a place that conveys a very important atmosphere for the Spaniards.

“I think we defended with little intensity in the first half. We gave them a lot of space to control the game. In the second half, we started to press more. It looked like we were comfortable, but we lacked intensity. We lost a lot of duels. We finished the game well. The draw It’s balanced, but we’re going to play in an environment we know”, he said.

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The Italian also praised the performance of Brazilian Vinicius Junior, who, playing further forward, managed to score two goals. “I think he can play there (in front of the center) because he has learned to move without the ball and attack empty space. Obviously, you have to have a midfielder who puts the ball to you like Kroos.”

“We built well with the ball, because they (Vinicius and Kroos) put a lot of intensity into the pressure. They made a fantastic combination, we took advantage of Vini’s fantastic movement with a pass.” “It’s normal for Kroos. He is one of the best midfielders with these characteristics. There is nothing new in his game, we wanted to control more (ball possession), and he does that like no one else,” he said.

To conclude, Ancelotti pointed out that Jude Bellingham’s departure, 30 minutes into the second half, was due to physical exhaustion. “Just a little more energy, Kroos played a very good game and Bellingham had cramps. But, I had ‘fresh legs’ (on the bench) and something had to change, I have tools on the bench and I have to take advantage of them. “

Next Wednesday (8), Real Madrid and Bayern Munich face each other again. This time, at the Santiago Bernabéu. With a 2-2 lead in Germany, whoever wins, whether in normal time or on penalties, will face the winner of Borussia Dortmund and PSG in the final, who are on the other side of the tournament bracket.