Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium after Real Madrid's victory over Villarreal. The coach began by talking about Carvajal's injury: “It looks like quite a serious knee injury, but we'll have to evaluate it in the next few hours. The dressing room is sad and worried because something has happened that happens many times in the season and unfortunately it has happened to a very important player for us.”

“He's an essential player for us because of his experience, professionalism and seriousness. We're going to wait, I've spoken to him and he's sad and disappointed. We can't do much about it now. We have to wait for the medical assessment and then think about getting him back. I spoke to the doctor and he told me it was a knee injury. He didn't tell me what it is. They have to do some tests. It's an injury that I hope will be as minimal as possible.”

How is the dressing room after Carvajal's injury?
“When something like this happens to a player like Dani, who is always motivated, it affects all the players and the whole team. We have to respond. Last year we reacted very well to the injuries we had and this year we have to make a further effort to ensure that the injuries serve as a source of motivation for the rest of the squad, as was the case last year.”

Analysis of the clash
“We played with discipline and a good attitude. Without too much intensity, but when we broke the deadlock with a rehearsed move we controlled well, without taking risks and defending solidly. It could have been a tricky game against a team that is in good form and we picked up three important points.”

“We rehearsed Valverde's goal this morning and the move was to free Federico on the edge of the box. Today we scored two goals from the edge of the area and they're assets in the squad because we have players with great shots like Vini Jr, Mbappé, Valverde, Bellingham. It worked out well.”

Vini Jr. substituted after a knock
“He's had a cervical problem and is completely blocked. He's in pain and will be tested in the next few hours.”

Camavinga in the double pivot role
“We played with a double pivot: him and Federico. They have performed well. Eduardo lacks a bit of fitness because he's been injured for more than a month and he's not at his best. After 60 minutes he was tired and asked to come off. He's improving. His return is important for us.”

Modrić
“In the years I've been coaching him, he has always been a key player for the team no matter how many minutes he plays.”

Would you consider strengthening the squad if Carvajal's injury is confirmed?
“Lucas Vázquez gives us a lot of confidence and we'll talk about this during the break. The market is closed and there aren't many options. We have to manage the squad well and in the absence of the only full-back we have at the moment, Lucas Vázquez, we have to think about who we can put in this position.”