Real Madrid bettered city rivals Atletico Madrid in leg-1 of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu. The hosts took the early lead courtesy of a brilliant run and finish from Rodrygo Goes in the 4th minute of the game. The Brazilian's goal was cut out by a screamer from Julian Alvarez in the 32nd minute of the first half. Brahim Diaz restored Los Blancos' lead in the second half. The score remained static at 2-1 till the full-time whistle. Thus, the defending champions will enter the den of neighbours with a slender lead next week.
Also Read | FIFA officially bans these three nations ahead of 2026 World Cup, here's why
Carlo Ancelotti Comments on His Team's Performance
Following the culmination of the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed thoughts on the result and laid out what the tactics with which the 15-time winners of the competition entered the field.
“It was a difficult game as usual. It always is against Atleti. In the first half we lost too many balls. We had unnecessary losses. Julián scored. In the second half we were better. We were able to get the lead again and we held on.
“The initial plan was to play on the wings, with Vini and Rodrygo. It went well in the first play and then we lost patience. We worked, we had control of the game. We pushed hard. But it was not the idea to press, but to be compact. And the team was compact throughout the game.”
Also Read | Vinicius Junior breaks silence on his future with Real Madrid, says "I have a contract..."
Tie is Alive
Ancelotti was asked to comment on the state of play at halftime of the match. He expects a difficult match at the Metropolitano, but believes his team is the favourites to advance to the round of 16, where they will face Arsenal, who are 7-1 up after the first leg, or PSV Eindhoven.
“We have achieved a small advantage and we are eager to go through. It will be difficult in the return leg. Atleti will press a little more, but it will be even. The quality of both is very high. It is a round of 16 tie, but it could be a semi-final or a final. We are not happy to play this tie against Atleti and they are not happy to play against Real Madrid either.”
