Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at Real Madrid City and gave his thoughts on the LaLiga matchday 19 fixture between Athletic Club and Real Madrid (Wednesday, 9pm CET): "It'll be a tough and demanding game, as always. There will be a great atmosphere and we'll be up against a good opponent. We're on a good run at the moment and we'll be at our best in Bilbao. The objective is to win the game and in order to do that we have to be at our best. Athletic Club are an intense team, with individual qualities and they're doing very well. They're one of the best in Spain".

"I'm very good, especially when the team plays well and contributes despite the problems. We're fighting. Everybody knows that you don't win anything in December, but you have to be in the fight and we're there despite the difficulties. When Vini Jr, Camavinga and Alaba come back, we'll fight even harder".

Who would take a penalty at San Mames?
"Bellingham and Mbappé will analyse it tomorrow and choose the one who is in the best shape to take it. It's not a matter of debate. The Getafe penalty can be analysed in two ways. Some view it as an act of insecurity and we see it as an act of responsibility and selflessness. These are two important things for us".

"Selflessness from a great talent like Mbappé is an act that we value very highly because it means that what could be the greatest talent there is in football is putting himself at the service of the team. I don't see it as a lack of courage but as an important act for his teammates. Everyone at the club appreciates it as an act of selflessness. That means he is on the right track. I really value that".

Tchouameni's return
"He's doing very well. He's trained well and recovered nicely. We'll see tomorrow where I put him. We have to think that players are coming back gradually and that's enough. He's been useful defensively, both as a central defender and as a defensive pivot. He's very important for us. He provides us with height at set pieces because we lost height with him, Militão and Camavinga missing".

The role of the right winger
"He carries out more defensive duties than the left winger. That's why we don't always play a winger, sometimes we play a midfielder or an inside player. Brahim and Bellingham have those characteristics. We have to adapt the characteristics to the system we have on the pitch".

Ceballos
"He's done well like Asencio. He came on the pitch and showed his quality with a good attitude. He's a different kind of player to other midfielders. He's less about energy and more about ball control. He has a lot of personality and is not worried about having the ball. He brings more quality to the game".

Asencio's quick adaptation
"He's shown himself to be a reliable centre-back. He doesn't lack the knowledge of the position. His positioning is very good, he's confident and motivated. He has shown a lot in these four games and if I think about leaving him on the bench one day I have to really think about it. I've been surprised by his maturity and his calmness when it comes to handling game situations. He's very confident and you never see him worried. He's already passed the crucial test and he can be considered a player in this squad with all the merit because he deserves it".

Bellingham's goalscoring contribution
"The team's improved performance has allowed him to get back to scoring goals. He's always performed well, but now he's more settled up front. We're better in possession, we've got clearer ideas and Mbappé's individual improvement has allowed us to open up space and he's taken advantage of that. With the exception of a couple of games, his position has always been the same as last year".

Competition between Fran Garcia and Mendy at left-back
"These are technical decisions. I have every confidence in a player who has helped us win two Champions Leagues. Fran is good in defence and also contributes going forward. He's made the most of the opportunity I've given him".

The Libertadores final
"I watched the game. There was a fantastic atmosphere and an incredible first minute of the game, with that kick. Botafogo's attitude and commitment was extraordinary and I'm very happy for Allan (a player he coached at Napoli) and for Botafogo, a historic club in Brazilian football who have won the Libertadores for the first time. If they advance we'll be delighted to play them in the Intercontinental. They put in an extraordinary performance and we congratulate them".