Ancelotti talks Bellingham, Rodrygo, Alaba, Vinicius, Mbappe after Real Madrid 5-1 RB Salzburg

Hoops from Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. and a goal from Kylian Mbappe helped Real Madrid to an important 5-1 win over RB Salzburg in the penultimate round of the UEFA Champions League league stage last night.

The three points take them to 16 in total, just one point behind eighth-placed Bayer Leverkusen right now.

The result looks Los Blancos continue their strong run of form in recent weeks and take them one step closer to a favorable finish in the standings. A top-8 finish may be unlikely, but they will look to draw favorable opposition for the knockout.

Ancelotti faces the press

Speaking to the media after the match, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on his side, the performance they dished out and what it meant for them in terms of standings.

– It was complicated at the start, but we improved after the opening goal. The individuals we have are huge. There are many games that I enjoyed and I loved the fifth goal which was spectacular.”

He also commented on the result’s impact on the standings and where Real Madrid could finish if they win over Brest.

“We have to play the last game and try to see where we go. There is not much to think about. We have to try to beat Brest on the last day and see how we will be in the standings. It will be very difficult to be among the 8 best.”

Real Madrid saw two goals from Vinicius and Rodrygo last night and a goal from Kylian Mbappe to 5. He praised his strikers, he said.

“Everyone connects well in attack and with these players we will have no problems scoring goals. On the offensive level there is a lot of creativity and you have to take into account how the footballer sees the game.”

“With Mbappe, Vini Jr., Rodrygo and Bellingham, we have no problem scoring,” he repeated.

Lavishing praise in particular on Rodrygo, who continues to impress and make a strong case to remain a starter, he said,

“He scores in every game and helps us a lot. The quality we have is Mbappe, Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Bellingham, Brahim, Valverde’s strikes.”

“It’s a perfect combination of an attacking game and we enjoy it and we will enjoy it more when the team defends better,” he added.

Ancelotti then went on to praise his men for handing out improved screens at the back in recent games, calling it ‘the key to success’.

“I try to improve the defensive work of the team because it is the key to success. You have to be as compact as possible, whether it’s low block, high or high or low pressure.”

“It is a problem with concentration, sacrifice and commitment. The teams that defend well win.” he added.

Elaborating on how the defense has improved in recent games with better cohesion and coordination, he said,

“On the defensive level, everyone has their role and we are improving a lot. We have to keep improving. They must be better positioned, work together and have the same ideas.”

“It is not a problem of individual quality, but of collective work.” he added.

Ancelotti then went on to give an update on David Alaba coming past the hour mark.

“He is very close to playing from the beginning. Today he played 30 minutes and whether he is a starter will depend a lot on how he feels. He is doing well and he is training well. When he tells me he’s ready, I’ll put him as a starter.”

He also reassured fans that Jude Bellingham’s injury scare was nothing serious, saying:

“It was discomfort in the back, but nothing serious.”

The Italian gaffer was finally asked if it would be a comfortable development if Manchester City failed to qualify for the knockouts, especially after their defeat to PSG.

“They are one of the candidates to win the Champions League again and it would be good news if they don’t qualify,” he said.

Source: Real Madrid website