Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Carlo Ancelotti 'satisfied' by Real Madrid's close victory

Carlo Ancelotti said he was "satisfied" with Real Madrid's tight 2-1 victory over Ludogorets on Wednesday despite los Blancos needing a late goal to separate themselves from the Champions League newcomers.

Karim Benzema's strike in the 77th minute was enough to separate the 10-time European champions from a team founded in 2001, but Ancelotti said the scoreline could have been more lopsided had Real taken their chances.

"We had a lot of chances to score and we have to be more effective. But I'm satisfied," Ancelotti said, according to AS.com. "The start wasn't good and conceding again from a set-piece could have made things complicated. But the reaction was good.

"The team played well in attack and we're physically very good at the moment. We had many chances and could have scored and the end. We deserved to win. We're working to fix the set-pieces."

Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty for Real before converting on his next opportunity at the spot, picked up a knock on his ankle late in the game, but Ancelotti said his star forward is not badly hurt.

"He has a bruised ankle. I don't think it's anything," Ancelotti added. "He's a little sore but it's nothing serious."

Benzema came on as a substitute for Javier Hernandez in the 67th minute, 10 minutes before his winner, but he said earning three points was more important than his individual performance.

"I don't know if there's been a lack of goals but the important thing is the game," he said. "Scoring goals is good but you have to do the job to help the team and your teammates.

"Winning here was complicated because Ludogorets are strong and had a lot of intensity. It's great for us that we got the three points."

Ludogorets Georgi Dermendzhiev said he was disappointed his team couldn't hold on for a draw.

"We were brave, courageous and played with no fear against the reigning European champions," Dermendzhiev said. "We played as equal to Real and I am delighted with our performance, we could have earned a draw."

Ancelotti, meanwhile, said he expects to be challenged from even the smallest minnows in Europe's top competition.

"This is the Champions League and the smaller teams play the game of their lives against us," he said. "We have to respect this and we knew it already, before the game."

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