Ancelotti admits Real Madrid needed to improve after poor first half

Carlo Ancelotti did not like Real Madrid’s first-half performance against Borussia Dortmund but admitted that was just a “trifling detail’ after they became European champions for the 15th time with a 2-0 win at Wembley.

Goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jnr proved decisive but only after the Bundesliga side dominated the opening 45 minutes and ought to have gone into the break in front had it not been for poor finishing from Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Fullkrug.

Ancelotti clearly had words with his players as they improved markedly in the second 45 minutes.

“For sure, we are not going to sleep!” 🥳

Carlo Ancelotti reflects on his FIFTH Champions League win and praises his amazing Real Madrid squad 🙌

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 1, 2024

He told Movistar: “In the first half, I didn’t like the level we were playing at. We lost the ball too often and in the wrong place. We let Dortmund play the way they wanted to – forcing turnovers and playing in transitions. That’s where they’re at their most dangerous.

“It was very difficult, much more so than we thought it would be. First half, we had to suffer; second half, we lost the ball less, played better – but those are all trifling details now. We won. The dream continues.”

Ancelotti joined in the post-match celebrations, even being thrown up in the air by the Madrid players, and the veteran Italian was quick to praise the humble nature of his squad.

He added to TNT Sports: “The history, the tradition, the quality of the players, the fact the club is a family.

“We have a good environment, we are working together without problems, the atmosphere is really good in the dressing room.

“I have say thank you to the players, no egos, really humble, it wasn’t difficult to mange this squad this season.”