Carlo Ancelotti said during his post-match press conference that Real Madrid put in a “complete performance” against Atalanta.

Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham in the UEFA Champions League game saw Los Blancos move up to 18th in the table with nine points, keeping their hopes of automatic qualification alive.

MATCH REPORT: Atalanta vs. Real Madrid: Los Blancos get an important three points with a 3-2 win in Italy

Despite the win, Real Madrid lost Mbappe to a first-half injury, but Ancelotti doesn’t believe it was anything serious.

Here are the club’s key quotes from Ancelotti’s post-Atalanta press conference against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

Q: Ancelotti was asked about the game against Atalanta.

Carlo Ancelotti: We put in a complete performance, we dug in, we fought and we fought. Despite all our difficulties, it was a battle worth fighting for. We were effective up front. We were very mobile with Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappe and they did very well. In the end we had to prevail, but we deserved to win.

It was a tough game because Atalanta demanded a lot from us physically. It was a duel that we won several of right from the start. We showed a lot of movement in attack. The game went well and we are happy. It’s a big victory, not just because of the three points, but also on an emotional level. If we make it through Christmas alive, things will go well in the second half of the season. Vinicius played today, Rodrygo played part of the game and we will get Camavinga back. Now we have to hold out until Christmas.

Q: Then he was asked about Real Madrid’s goal in the UEFA Champions League.

Carlo Ancelotti: I don’t know if we will get into the top 8 with 15 points, but our goal is to win the next two games.

Q: Ancelotti answered a question about Real Madrid’s schedule.

Carlo Ancelotti: The calendar is very demanding, we have a reduced squad and that doesn’t allow us to rotate as many players. We have to hold on for now.

Q: He was then asked about his team’s attacking movement.

Carlo Ancelotti: Mbappe played well at the start and scored a great goal. Our movement forward was crucial. Vinicius moved a lot to take away the central defender from Kylian. We scored the third goal thanks to a change of position between Vinicius and Bellingham. Mbappe couldn’t give us more and Rodrygo replaced him, but he wasn’t at 100%. He gave everything he could. With 100% Mbappé we could perhaps have done much better.

Q: The Real Madrid head coach answered a question about the solidity of his team.

Carlo Ancelotti: After the game against Osasuna, the team became more solid and committed at the back. We lost two games against very strong teams, but we didn’t feel defeated. This quality win will help us a lot.

Q: He was asked about the mood in the Real Madrid camp after tonight’s win.

Carlo Ancelotti: This victory is a breath of fresh air as it allows us to properly prepare for the Champions League games in January. I hope we have more players and feel more relaxed today than yesterday.

Q: Ancelotti answered a question about Atalanta’s key chance in the final stages of the game.

Carlo Ancelotti: I didn’t have time to think. When I saw Retegui the ball was already over. That’s a good sign.

Q: Then he was asked about Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz and Fran Garcia.

Carlo Ancelotti: When we have a full squad there will be more competition and I can rotate more, but I will always field the best team possible. Ceballos had a spectacular game and I really liked his performance.

Brahim and Fran Garcia played at a high level and are doing very well.

Q: Finally, Ancelotti answered a question about Serie A leaders Atalanta.

Carlo Ancelotti: Atalanta is a great team, they play at a high tempo. We managed to get past their defenses. Although their structure hasn’t changed, they have very clear ideas and are a very difficult team to beat. It will be a very good season for them.

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