“The second half showed us what we have to do and how we can do it.”

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press gathered in the media room Santiago Bernabeu following Real Madrid Great comeback against Borussia Dortmund. The coach looked back on the game: “We talked calmly about how we could change something in the second half. I changed the system and the team brought more intensity. We were too shy in the first half, didn't put pressure on us and let them take control. They score two relatively easy goals and it was clear what we had to do. The team did a great job in the second half. This second half was our best of the season, with better pressing, more intensity… The second half showed us what we have to do and how we have to do it. It could be a key moment in our season.

“I would explain the game like this: We were too shy in the first half and lacked intensity. We were organized but we didn't put pressure on the ball and they controlled the game. We had chances and hit the crossbar twice, but we were too cautious. By taking more risks in the second half, we played with more energy. We should always put pressure on because we have the physical ability to do so.”

Half-time talk with the team
“I told them that the idea of ​​scoring three goals was a bit idealistic and that we had to concentrate on what was important: not missing our passes, winning our duels, pressing better, showing more intensity. This changes the dynamics of the game. That changed with the first goal.”

Praise for Vini Jr.
“It’s unusual for a player to have such a second half. It's strange to see this now or in the past. He brought energy, intensity, character… It was an extraordinary performance. He is mocked when we go to other stadiums because he can make the difference. He is respected in this country. He contributes to reducing the problem of racism and enjoys great respect.”

“He will win Ballon d'Or, but not for what he did tonight, but for what he did last year in helping us win this Champions League. These three goals will help him on the way to the next Ballon d'Or.”

The system
“The system is not the most important thing, it is more about the attitude of the players to play a certain system. I mean, the most important thing is the attitude of the players on the pitch.”

Why is there a lack of intensity in certain parts of the game?
“I'm not sure what the cause is. It's hard to put your finger on it. We have to concentrate on the second half, where we played with high intensity and high tempo. The aim is to start like this rather than waiting until you have conceded two goals. You can't play a full 90 minutes like we played today in the second half with 45 minutes. But you can find a better balance between the intensity we showed in the first and second half. We will do it.”

Lucas Vazquez
“He scored the goal that gave us the lead. Sometimes he has a little more defensive problems when it comes to his defensive positioning. He offers us so much going forward on the right side and he scored a nice goal today.”