Ancelotti hails Real Madrid’s depth after latest comeback win

Carlo Ancelotti praised the quality of his real Madrid team bench when they came back for the tenth time this season to win a game, beating the palms 2-1 on Saturday to return to the top of The league.

Javi Muñoz put Las Palmas ahead at the Gran Canaria Stadium, but goals from Vinícius Junior and replace Aurélien Tchouaméni gave the points to Madrid, who were left without the sanctioned Judas Bellingham.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

It is the second consecutive game that Madrid has come back to win after last week’s 3-2 victory against Almeria. It is the sixth time they have done it in the current LaLiga campaign, in addition to three occasions in the Champions League and once in the Spain Supercup.

“It is a tool that we have, options on the bench that are very motivated to contribute,” said Madrid coach Ancelotti in a press conference about his team’s ability to turn games around.

“That’s something about our dressing room that we like to take advantage of, although, of course, we would like to go forward and enjoy the transitions a little more.

“But it can’t always be [come off] that way. When that’s not the case, I can look at the bench and I have many options to change the dynamics of a game because all the players are willing to do so.”

A cautious first half came to life after the break when Muñoz gave Las Palmas the lead, and Ancelotti credited that goal as the turning point of the match.

“Conceding the goal changed the dynamics of the game,” he added. “We had already changed the system in the first half to try to expand. It wasn’t a spectacular performance, but it was good.

“We cannot forget that we are facing a superior team. Las Palmas is good with the ball and it is difficult to recover it. In the first half of LaLiga games this season they have only conceded two goals.”

Ancelotti also addressed his decision not to bring Luka modric from the bench for the second consecutive game.

“Luka didn’t even warm up because I don’t ask him if I’m not sure if he’s going to play,” said the Italian. “I have to respect him in that sense. He’s fine, he’s really good. He’s ready for the next game.”

Tchouaméni, for his part, responded to the criticism that followed his performance in Madrid Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid 10 days ago by scoring the winning goal in the 84th minute, just three minutes after its start.

“I could do better because of the goal conceded in the Copa del Rey, but I don’t want people to doubt my mentality,” he said. France the midfielder told reporters.

“When we play against Barcelona At the beginning of this season I played until the end due to an injury. Look, it may happen, there may be criticism at Real Madrid, but it doesn’t matter. “I always say it’s a dream to play for this team.”

The victory returned Madrid to the top of LaLiga with 54 points in 21 games, two ahead Gironawho plays Celta Vigo on Sunday.

“There are more rivals than Girona,” Tchouaméni warned. “Barcelona, ​​Atlético and Athletic Club They are all there too.

“But, as always, focusing on ourselves is the most important thing. If we win all our games until the end of the season, we will be champions.”