Carlo Ancelotti called Real Madrid’s “full” performance “one of the best of the season” despite La Liga’s goalless draw against Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Madrid are five points behind leaders Barcelona after failing to crack Imanol Alguacil’s defense in a largely one-sided encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
La Real goalkeeper Alex Remiro has thwarted a dominant Madrid by making seven saves, more than he has managed in La Liga this season, including three against the energetic Vinicius Junior.
However, head coach Ancelotti was “satisfied” with his team’s performance as third-placed La Real retained a precious point that left Madrid only three, playing a game more.
He said: “It was a shame because we played very well and deserved to win. We played a full game, one of the best of the season, but we were not lucky.
“The team is improving and growing, and physically we are much better. Now the injured are back and we have confidence in the coming months.
“We played very well with and without the ball and all we had to do was score, we were so close but it was a draw. I’m happy because the team played very well.”
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Most of Madrid’s attacking threats came from Vinicius, who made 21 dribbles, more than one player in a single La Liga match since Opta began recording in the 2005–06 season.
Dani Ceballos impressed with a rare appearance in Madrid’s midfield, while Eduardo Camavinga showed his versatility by playing beautifully from the left-back position.
“We put out the whole 90 minutes with great intensity, Real Sociedad didn’t play the way they wanted because we were pressing hard,” added Ancelotti.
Copa del Rey extra time [a 3-1 quarter-final win over Atletico Madrid on Thursday] was not noticed, we had a high intensity for 90 minutes.
“It was difficult to make changes because no one deserved to leave the field, the team played well and I didn’t want to change the dynamics.
“Ceballos and [Federico] Valverde played very well. [Camavinga] did well, he is an option because of his quality and his energy. He wasn’t used to playing there and with Vinicius they created a lot of chances.
“The game was good, but if you don’t score… now we’re five points behind and we need to catch up.”
Madrid are looking to catch up with Barca’s Xavi when they host Valencia’s top four on Thursday.