Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press gathered in the media room of the Santiago Bernabeu next That of Real Madrid brilliant comeback against Borussia Dortmund. The coach reflected on the game: “We talked calmly about how we can change things in the second half. I changed the system and the team brought more intensity. In the first half we were too timid, we didn’t press and let them keep control. They get two relatively simple goals and it was clear what we had to do. The team did an excellent job in the second half. This second half was our best of the season, with better pressure, more intensity… The second half showed us what to do and how to do it. It could be a key moment in our season.”

“I would explain the game as follows: we were too timid and not enough intensity in the first half. We were organised, but we didn’t put pressure on the ball and they controlled the game. We had chances and hit the crossbar twice, but we were too reserved. By taking more risks in the second half, we played with more energy. We always have to apply pressure because we have the physical qualities to do that.”

Half-time team discussion
“I told them that it was a bit idealistic to score three goals and that we had to concentrate on the basics: not missing our passes, winning our duels, pushing better, showing more intensity. This changes the dynamics of the game. That changed with the first goal.”

Praise for Vini Jr.
“It’s unusual to see a player have a second half like that. It’s strange to see now, or in the past. He brought energy, intensity, character… It was an extraordinary display. He’s being laughed at when we go to other stadiums because he can make a difference. He is respected in this country. He helps reduce the problem of racism and is very respected.”

‘He will win Ballon d’Or, but not because of what he did tonight, but because of what he did last year, helping us get the win Champions League. These three goals will help him towards the next Ballon d’Or.”

The system
“The system is not the most important thing, it’s more about the attitude of the players towards playing a certain system. What I mean is that the most crucial thing is the attitude that the players show on the field.”

Why is there a lack of intensity in certain periods of play?
‘I’m not sure what’s causing it. It’s hard to put your finger on it. We have to concentrate on that second half, where we played with high intensity and at a fast pace. The goal is to start that way, rather than waiting until you’ve gotten two goals. You can’t play the full 90 minutes like we played 45 in the second half today. But you can find a better balance between the intensity we showed in the first and second half. We will get there.”

Lucas Vazquez
“He scored the goal that gave us the lead. Sometimes he struggles a little more defensively, in terms of his defensive positioning. In the future he offers us so much on the right side and he scored a beautiful goal today.”