Carlo Ancelotti praised the “impressive” attitude of his Real Madrid side in the 2-0 victory over Cadiz in La Liga.
Los Blancos dominated the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on Saturday, landing more shots than any other team this season with 35 tries.
Real Madrid had to wait for Nacho’s brilliant finish in the 72nd minute to take the lead, with Marco Asensio giving them a break after four minutes.
Ancelotti did not risk Vinicius Junior and Toni Kroos ahead of the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea on Tuesday due to muscle tension, while Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga came off the bench.
Dani Carvajal and David Alaba were unused substitutes as Real Madrid prepared for a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, reducing Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to 10 points.
Madrid head coach Ancelotti said: “I was most impressed with the performance of the team. It was a well-played match at an important moment in the season.
“Preparing for it was not easy, but the attitude of the players was impressive.”
16 – Marco Asensio has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season (10 goals and 6 assists), his best in a single campaign since @realmadriden since the 2017/18 season (18 – 11 goals and 7 assists).
Participation. pic.twitter.com/HXSv2x9kkZ
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 15, 2023
Captain Karim Benzema failed to score despite hitting the crossbar nine times from close range in the first half, but Ancelotti was impressed with the striker’s contribution.
He said: “I saw him looking so good, so fresh. I told him: “I will put you in [the team] and I’ll take you down when you’re tired.”
“I was a little sad because he didn’t score, but it was good to see him. It was difficult to remove him because I wanted to enjoy watching him.”
Ancelotti has confirmed that striker Vinicius and midfielder Kroos will be ready to face Chelsea in London.
He said: “They are here to play, they have already trained today and will be at their best on Tuesday.”