( moodeng )Carlo Ancelotti admits Real Madrid need to work hard as they build on their 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu. moodeng

    “My players run, they work, they make the difference. Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo did that. We controlled, compacted and pressed Atletico well. They had a lot of possession but we created a lot of chances. “

    Games like these are always on the line, this is Atletico, the top team in Europe. You can’t imagine how the first leg will end. We have a little bit of an advantage next week, that’s our target. “

    It’s not easy to play against Atletico’s defence. My strikers Kylian [Mbappe] and Vinicius [Junior] work very hard. They will be ready to do the same next week.” The

    Italian also spoke about the team’s hero, Brahim Diaz, who scored the winning goal.

    “Who said he will be on the bench when [Jude] Bellingham returns from suspension next week? Not me. You can’t say that Brahim Diaz is a permanent starter but he has played a lot of minutes this season and he is obviously still making the most of his opportunities.”

    Ancelotti also spoke about Federico Valverde.

    “To be honest, I’m running out of words to describe him. He works so hard for us. ” He left the pitch because of fatigue, but nothing more. “

    The late goal between Mbappe and Vinicius (Junior) should have given us a little breathing room if we were 3-1 up, but I think a little bit of fatigue got in the way. Now we have time to prepare well for the second leg. ( moodeng )