Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with his team's display as they enjoyed a resounding 3-0 victory at Girona in LaLiga on Saturday following recent disappointing performances. Ancelotti's side arrived at the Montilivi stadium following a midweek 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao, marking their fourth defeat in the last seven games in all competitions.
Real's win over Girona closed the gap on leaders Barcelona to two points, with a game in hand, as they regained control of the title race despite scrutiny of key players like Kylian Mbappe and a lengthy injury list including talisman Vinicius Jr.
"(Jude) Bellingham has scored his fifth goal in a row. He's back and in good form. Mbappe scored today too ... We have to hang in there, little by little we're coming back," Ancelotti said told a news conference. "We had to hold on at the beginning because (Girona) pushed hard. We did a good job collectively, and then we handled the advantage well. The team had more clarity and more idea. I think the second half went very well."
The Italian also praised Arda Guler's performance after the Turkish youngster scored Real's second goal, delivering a solid overall performance despite limited playing time this season.
"He wasn't good in the first half but in the second half he scored a fantastic goal," Ancelotti said. "What I want to highlight is his work. He runs a lot and helps the team. His goal takes a bit of pressure off him. He's a young player with a lot of pressure around him and it's good for him to take a bit of pressure off."
The Spanish champions now turn their attention to the Champions League where they visit Serie A leaders Atalanta on Tuesday, looking to move up from 24th place - the last spot that qualifies for the knockout round playoffs. Ancelotti said he expected Vinicius Jr and Brazilian compatriot Rodrygo to return to action in Bergamo.
Barcelona draws
Earlier Real Betis twice came behind to stop Barcelona from triumphing in Seville.
Assane Diao levelled in the 94th minute to stun Barcelona, who opened the scoring after 39 minutes through Robert Lewandowski.
After Giovani Lo Celso levelled for the mid-table hosts from the penalty spot, substitute Ferran Torres struck what seemed the winner before Diao's late intervention.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his team had to improve on the road, where most of their set-backs have come this season.
"We have the quality to win every match but we also have to show that," said Flick.
"(In) the away matches we have to be much stronger than we played here."
