Carlo Ancelotti analysed Real Madrid’s victory over Atalanta from the press room at the Italian side’s stadium. The Madrid coach had the following to say: “We put in a complete display, we dug in, we battled and we fought. Despite all our difficulties, it was a match to fight for. We were effective up front. We were very mobile with Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappé, and they did very well. In the end, we had to dig in, but we deserved to win it.”

“It was a tough match because Atalanta demanded a lot from us physically. It was a contest of duels and we won some of them at the beginning. We showed a lot of movement in attack. The match went well and we're happy. It's a big win, not only for the three points, but also on an emotional level. If we get to Christmas alive, things will go well in the second half of the season. Vinicius played today, Rodrygo played part of the game and we'll get Camavinga back. Now we have to hang in there until Christmas.”

Objectives in the Champions League
“I don't know if 15 points will get us into the top 8, but our goal is to win the next two games.”

Demands of the fixture calendar
“The calendar is very demanding, we have a reduced squad and that doesn't allow us to rotate players as much. We have to hang in there for the time being.”

Movement in attack
“Mbappé was playing well at the start and scored a great goal. Our movement up front was decisive. Vinicius moved around a lot to take the centre-back away from Kylian. We scored the third thanks to a change of position between Vinicius and Bellingham. Mbappé couldn't give us more and Rodrygo replaced him, but he wasn't at 100%. He gave everything he could. With Mbappé at 100%, we might've done a lot better.”

Solidity
“After the match against Osasuna, the team has become more solid and engaged at the back. We lost two games against very strong teams, but we didn't feel defeated. This quality win will help us a lot.”

The feeling after the victory
“This victory is a breath of fresh air because it allows us to properly prepare for the Champions League matches in January. I hope we have more players and we feel more relaxed today than yesterday.”

Atalanta’s chance in the dying seconds
“I didn't have time to think. When I saw Retegui the ball was already over. That's a good sign.”

Ceballos
“When we have a full squad there will be more competition and I'll be able to rotate more, but I'll always put out the best possible team. Ceballos had a spectacular game and I liked his performance very much.”

Brahim and Fran García
“Brahim and Fran García played at a high level and are doing very well.”

Atalanta
“Atalanta are a great team, they play at a high tempo. We managed to get past their defences. Although their structure hasn't changed, they have very clear ideas and are a very difficult team to beat. It's going to be a very good season for them.”