![](https://madriduniversal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/fbl-eur-c1-real-madrid-naples-scaled.jpg)
Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid retained their perfect record in Group C of the UEFA Champions League by achieving yet another win against Napoli on Wednesday night. This time, the victory came late in the game but was decisive. Despite falling down early on in the match, the Merengues were able to regain the lead before halftime thanks to a pair of goals scored by Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham without much delay.
Two minutes after the halftime break, Napoli ultimately equalized the score, which sparked a fiercely contested struggle. At the end of the day, however, Los Blancos were able to secure a victory at Santiago Bernabeu by scoring two goals in the last 10 minutes of the match.
When Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media after the humiliating outcome, he spoke a wide range of things, including the game that took place that evening, the performance of the squad, and the players that stood out. In the beginning, he started by analyzing the match versus Napoli and the performance of his team on that particular evening.
In this battle, we faced up against a competitor who had quality. With regard to the level of playing with the ball, we have performed well, without rushing, and we have successfully managed the departure from behind. The defensive component was one in which we were able to perform well. We were neat, yet unaggressive in our behavior.”
The fact that we were able to win the game despite the fact that it seemed that we did not have the energy to do so is the reason why we were successful. We are exhausted, and several of our players have complained of cramping. It is not unusual since it has been a really open and exciting game,” he said, referring to the manner in which his side overcame a deficit to emerge victorious.
The two teams have gone through a lot of transformations, and as a result, we have emerged from the experience feeling very exhausted. He went into more detail on the aftermath of the conflict, saying, “We have time to recover until Saturday.”
The first few minutes of the game were marked by Real Madrid’s poor defensive performance; however, Ancelotti’s adjustments made in the middle of the game allowed for a turnaround and increased stability. When asked about the performance of the defense, the manager said that
Our performance in the derby revealed that we allowed three goals to be scored by crosses, and I believe that we were unable to maintain control of the penalty area with the two center backs.
“Although we are currently performing quite well at the defensive level, we could have been more forceful today, particularly when we had the low block option.” Evaluating the two objectives that were given up is something that we need to do. Despite the fact that we are content, there have been two distinct instances that may have been prevented. In spite of this, we were fortunate enough to score two more goals than our opponent,” he said.
For Real Madrid’s victory against Napoli in Naples earlier this year, Jude Bellingham was the most important player on the field, and he was one again the center of attention yesterday night. During yet another outstanding performance in the final third, the kid not only scored once but also supplied one assist.
“Every single day and every single game, surprise. Specifically to each and every one of us. A present for the sport of soccer. According to what Ancelotti had to say about the Real Madrid teenager, “the teammates and the fans are delighted with him, and the entire world of football, who sees a player with this potential and this positive image.”
In addition to this, he made a statement on the influence that Bellingham had on the squad and referred to him as the “ideal player” for the current game.
I have high hopes that he will be able to keep going like this. Although I do not go into the question of how much money it has cost, I must say that it has been an outstanding signing. It is imperative that we should not forget that he is twenty years old. Because of his passion and his ability to cover the quick field, he is the perfect player for the modern game of soccer.
Continuing with the subject of the English player who was a protégé, Ancelotti emphasized that while Bellingham was exceptional, he still had certain areas in which he could grow.
“He is extremely serious and professional, and he has easily adjusted to the environment of the locker room. He collaborates effectively with others and has a deep understanding of himself. It is necessary for him to work on his Spanish [laughs]. Because nobody is flawless.
![](https://madriduniversal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/real-madrid-cf-v-rayo-vallecano-laliga-ea-sports-2-2-1024x683.jpg)
For the last question, the manager was asked whether the newly acquired player might be compared to Zinedine Zidane in terms of position and influence on the field. In response, he said, “Yes, that is possible.”
When compared to Zidane, he is difficult to compare. There are two distinct generations between them. The presence that Bellingham has in the box is something that Zidane did not have, and Zidane had a unique characteristic that Bellingham does not possess anymore. Players in modern football are expected to be physically robust and capable of covering a large area of the field in a short amount of time.
There is a great deal more to football than just the names on paper, despite the fact that Real Madrid has a fearsome marquee lineup when all of its players are feeling well. When it comes to cameos, Ancelotti made it a point to give recognition to the players who are sitting on the bench since they play an equally significant role.
There are players that have joined, such as Brahim, Joselu, and Fran García, who have unquestionably contributed to the enhancement of the overall quality of the group. They are making a significant contribution to the team, during which we are experiencing wonderful moments, and we are going to do all in our power to ensure that this moment continues.
Nico Paz was one of these stars who came off the bench at the right time and wowed. The teenager entered the pitch in the 65th minute and scored the game-winning goal for Real Madrid a little over twenty minutes after being on the field.
“He delivered exactly what everyone had anticipated. Tonight is a really momentous evening for him. Due to the fact that he has all of the attributes that are required of a player who is a member of the Real Madrid team, he is a player who is a potential future player for Real Madrid. “In a time of crisis, that is exactly what we require,” the manager remarked of the Castilla international.
In addition, he heaped admiration on Rodrygo Goes, who has been in a blazing hot streak in recent matches and once again reached the back of the goal against Napoli.
When a forward is having a tough time, it is important to maintain confidence and ensure that the player does not drop his arms. I have seen this with a number of forwards. Never once did he drop his arms, and on the day that he scored his first goal, he made the action that would forever alter his character. In the end, it was just a question of time.”
After that, Ancelotti made a significant revelation by coming out with the information that none of the injured players will be returning for Real Madrid’s subsequent match.
I believe that Modrić might be the one to come back for us against Betis, but we are unable to bring anybody back against Granada. We are going to use these guys to prepare for the match versus Granada.
Finally, the Italian strategist shared his thoughts on Joselu’s performance on the evening, which included scoring a goal in only thirty minutes of action.
“He has completed his duties. In addition to today. This is not only a request for you to score goals. The job that he does is really good, and he will keep working. While it is encouraging for him to score goals, it is also important to note that a player is required to apologize when he does not work, and he has always worked extremely hard.