In a press conference after his team’s 2-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano, Carlo Ancelotti made an important announcement about Thibaut Courtois, who missed Sunday’s match due to a muscle issue.
The job was well done in this 27th round of La Liga. At home against the resilient Rayo Vallecano side, Real Madrid secured all three points thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Despite Pedro Díaz’s impressive goal (45+2’) for the visitors, Ancelotti’s men held firm, largely thanks to a solid defensive performance and a strong display from Andriy Lunin, who stepped in for Thibaut Courtois at the last minute. Expected to start in goal, the Belgian shot-stopper was absent due to a muscle discomfort.
After the match, Carlo Ancelotti reassured everyone. As previously reported, Thibaut Courtois is expected to start on Wednesday at the Civitas Metropolitano against Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
The press conference
How did you find the match against Rayo?
“The feeling is good because the objective was to secure points. We played a very good first half where we could have finished 3-0, but it ended 2-1. It became a bit tricky in the second half. We had two or three chances—Mbappé’s cross for the 3-1 and Vini’s effort. When the 75th minute arrives with the score at 2-1, one thing must be done: defend well and avoid problems. We defended well and avoided problems, but I understand that the fans might not have enjoyed the final part of the game.”
“You have to consider that many teams that played in the Champions League yesterday and today have struggled. Inter suffered against Monza, Liverpool against Southampton, Leverkusen lost, Bayern lost… It is very difficult to prepare for this kind of match, especially against a team that fights and plays with intensity like Rayo. I repeat, the first half was very good.”
Will Modrić play against Atlético?
“Modrić will recover, he finished the match well. He was a bit tired, like everyone else, because it was a demanding game. I think they will all recover well. Hopefully, Rüdiger and Courtois will recover from the flu.”
Mbappé’s condition
“The goal was important. Vini Jr. and Mbappé both scored spectacular goals. Until the 70th minute, they played very well, and they had the chance to make it 3-1. When I think we need to defend, I take off attackers—there is no issue with that for me. I took away some minutes from them, as I did with Rodrygo, which will be beneficial for Wednesday’s match.”
“Mbappé played very well, he scored a fantastic goal. He fought, dropped back to recover the ball. The goal happened because he received the ball deep and then made a great run without the ball. It was a fantastic goal, he executed it brilliantly.”
Bellingham and Courtois
“Bellingham has returned in good shape. Courtois has a minor issue, but I think he will recover quickly for Wednesday. Bellingham’s performance was good. As I said, I really liked our first half because we pressed well. The score could have been 3-0 with a bit of luck. We played with intensity and quality. In the second half, our level dropped.”
Vini Jr.’s stats
“He has a great future ahead because he has reached these numbers so quickly, fighting and improving every season. He deserves it because, in addition to everything, he is a good lad.”
Conversation with Davide Ancelotti
“We were discussing the substitutions to be made. If Brahim or Camavinga comes in, who should come off? For me, it’s not so simple because I am focused on the game, and it’s a bit harder to listen to the staff’s input. That’s why we were talking about the changes that needed to be made.”
Bellingham on the bench under ice treatment
“He took a knock, but nothing serious.”
Individualism among the forwards?
“I didn’t see any individualism. The first goal came from a pass by Vini Jr. to Mbappé. The second was an outstanding solo effort from Vinícius. I think they tried to link up as usual. They will be at their best on Wednesday because everyone is highly motivated for this match.”
Tchouaméni’s development
“I haven’t spoken to him. Tchouaméni has a strong character and personality. He is hardworking, serious, and professional. He has handled criticism very well. He is playing very well with the ball now. He had to develop his play without the ball, and he has done so spectacularly. The Modrić-Tchouaméni duo worked very well.”
Playing like this, can they beat Atlético on Wednesday?
“If we play like we did in the first half, we have a good chance of progressing.”
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