Carlo Ancelotti says he is “not surprised” by criticism of Real Madrid’s tactics in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City.
Hosts City dominated possession and registered four times more shots than the visitors but failed to translate that superiority into goals as the tie ended 4-4 on aggregate after normal time.
Real Madrid — 13-time winners of the competition — eventually prevailed 4-3 on penalties after Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva missed their spot kicks for City. Madrid will now face Bayern Munich in the last four for a place in the final at Wembley.
After the game, City midfielder Rodri suggested his side deserved to progress “on merit”, adding “we did not expect them to be so, so far deep in their set up”.
Asked at his press conference on Saturday for his response, Ancelotti said: “I’m not surprised because everyone has their own opinion.
“For us it’s very clear how we have to play. Sometimes there are games where you have the ball less than usual. In the 90 minutes we did very well. I haven’t found any sad fans today, they are happy and I agree.”
Ancelotti’s side return to La Liga action on Sunday against rivals Barcelona with the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Madrid are eight points clear of Barca with seven games remaining in the season and can edge closer to a 36th league title — and their second under Ancelotti — with victory at the Santiago Bernebeu on Sunday.
“At the moment we are doing very well. The icing on the cake (will be) this month, the most decisive. We are well positioned,” said Ancelotti.
Ancelotti has no new injury concerns for El Clasico. Ferland Mendy was allowed to miss training on Friday to give the defender an extra day’s recovery after feeling “tired” from Wednesday night’s exploits.
Eder Militao, meanwhile, could be handed his first league start since the opening day of the season having missed the majority of the campaign with a serious knee injury.
“He could be a starter,” said Ancelotti. “He’s fine, he’s training. He only needs a few minutes but he’s ready, he’s fine. He wants to play and could be an option for tomorrow.”
GO DEEPER
Derby days, Barcelona: El Clasico
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