UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Ancelotti heartened by desire of ten-man Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti hailed Real Madrid CF's "courage and personality" when down to ten men against Galatasaray AŞ, who must now prepare for a showdown with Juventus.

Ancelotti heartened by desire of ten-man Madrid
Ancelotti heartened by desire of ten-man Madrid ©UEFA.com

Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid coach
In the first half we started slowly and after that we had problems moving the ball and when in possession. The match was difficult after Sergio Ramos's red card, but with ten men we controlled the game and played very well. We changed the system after the first half, we needed to play deeper. In the second half we were more comfortable with Xabi Alonso in the team. [Álvaro] Arbeloa scored a goal and was man of the match.

When we had ten men we played with courage and personality. We played very well after half-time. Being a man down is not easy and all the players worked together. The first half was not so good. At the moment things are very good, we are scoring lots of goals, and I am happy with the effort we are putting in.

I was sad when I needed to substitute Jesé [after 28 minutes]. He was playing well but I had to change things – I needed to put a defender on. The team reacted well, the quality of the squad is excellent.

Roberto Mancini, Galatasaray coach
We played some excellent football in the first half. I did not understand what happened in the second half, though. If you make such mistakes, then a team like Real Madrid will make you pay. The decisive match will be against Juventus on 10 December. We could have gained an advantage if we had taken three points here.

I just cannot understand the simple mistakes we made. But we will definitely need the support of our fans against Juventus. They have to back us until the final whistle and we are certain that it will be like that. We will try to get the three points with the famous pressure that Galatasaray fans create.

Selected for you