Real Madrid achieved another impressive victory after coming from behind to upset UD Las Palmas 2-1 at Estadio Gran Canaria earlier today.
Following a scoreless first session, Javier Munoz scored a goal for Las Palmas just eight minutes into the second period, giving the home team the lead.
However, Vinicius Jr. equalized the score for Real Madrid in the 65th minute, and then Aurelien Tchouameni, who was celebrating his birthday, secured the victory for the team in the 84th minute.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media post-match and thoroughly examined both the competition and the outcome, stating:
“The reality is that the goal we allowed altered the course of the game. In response, we modified our tactical formation in the first half to emphasize wider attacking strategies.” The game was not extraordinary, but it was rather satisfactory.
“We faced a team that poses a challenge in regaining possession, and statistically, Las Palmas have a strong defensive record and rarely allow goals.” We strategically dominated the first half of the game and exerted pressure throughout the second half. This triumph had significant importance.
Regarding the team’s resilience and mental strength to repeatedly recover from challenging situations, he stated:
This is a tool at our disposal. An enthusiastic reserve that often makes significant contributions when given the opportunity to play. We possess a tool that we want to fully use and get more satisfaction from its transitions, however, this is not always feasible.
“We are faced with the fact that when I observe the bench, I have numerous possibilities to alter the course of a game due to the high level of motivation displayed by those on the bench.”
Elaborating on his rationale for substituting Vinicius Jr. and Eduardo Camavinga at a crucial stage of the match, he stated: “I made the decision to replace Vini in order to preserve the outcome.” Camavinga was fatigued due to his participation in a very demanding match, but Tchouaméni was well-rested.
Complimenting his adversaries, the manager of Real Madrid further remarked: “I can assess the goalkeeper, he possesses exceptional skills, particularly in his footwork, which is my standpoint.”
“Additionally, we possess goalkeepers who are performing admirably.” Las Palmas demonstrates exceptional performance, making it difficult to regain possession of the ball. They skillfully maneuver the ball through the spaces between the other team’s players. Competing against them is a considerable challenge.
Real Madrid’s defense has recently shown some weaknesses after a strong performance, which Ancelotti has seen.
“Recently, we may have experienced a slight decline in performance during the past few games.” We have achieved a significant number of goals, and sometimes, due to our aggressive attacking style, we may lack defensive balance, resulting in increased vulnerability at the back. “Nacho is experiencing a remarkable season,” he said.
Once again, the experienced midfielder Luka Modric was absent from the Real Madrid lineup for the second consecutive encounter. Indeed, the Croatian player did not even engage in pre-match physical activity during today’s game.
Ancelotti said that Modric did not warm up before the game because he respects Modric’s preference to only warm up if he is certain he would be substituted into the game. He is in good condition and will be prepared for the next game.