Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Ancelotti praises magnificent display in Los Blancos’ deserved victory

Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelloti has applauded his team’s impressive performance in their narrow win over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday.

After Lucas Vázquez’s 10th-minute goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, it appeared as though the match was headed for a goalless draw before substitute Luka Modric scored in the 81st minute to give Carlo Ancelotti’s men all three points.

“It was a great performance from the team. We played with a lot of intensity, quality and balance,” Ancelloti said post-match.

“The problems were predictable. If you don’t have Bellingham and Joselu there is no other way to play football than with short combinations.

“There was no Joselu, who scored a lot of goals, or Bellingham, who comes in from deep. The team put in a great performance and it was a well-deserved three points.”

Ancelotti on Modric’s goal and future

Amidst the high likelihood of a move away from the Santiago Bernabéu, 39-year-old Modric was the difference for Madrid yesterday, and Carlo Ancelloti has said the Croatian’s future is in his hands.

The Italian said, first on the goal, “We celebrated the goal with Luka because he deserved it and he scored a great goal that earned us another three points. He’s scored and shown that it’s very difficult to leave him on the bench

“Not just because of today’s goal but because of the way he trains every day, he’s an example for the rest of the squad.”

On his future, “What he decides to do in the future is in his own hands and we just have to wait for his decision. I understand what he may think when he’s not playing.

“Everyone thinks it’s the end of his career, but he isn’t showing it. He doesn’t look like a 39-year-old player. The only objective fact is his age. Out of the respect I have for him, I can’t give him advice. He’s very intelligent, serious and professional.

“He knows what he has to do. The quality of the minutes is more important than the quantity. Modrić, Kroos and Nacho are in the same situation at the end of the season. There’s time to sort it out over the next few months.”

Next up for Carlo Ancelloti and Real Madrid will be their matchday 27 fixture at the Estadio de Mestalla where they’ll face Valencia on March 2.