Real Madrid prevail: Carlo Ancelotti praises team's tenacity in Super Cup triumph
- Rob Fleming
- 11 January 2024
Real Madrid staged a stunning comeback against Atletico Madrid to secure a thrilling 5-3 victory in extra time at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final clash.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the ingrained resilience of Real Madrid, stating, "It's nothing new, it's pure Real Madrid DNA. Let it be a good learning experience for the youngsters: this team never gives up. You can lose, but never give up."
The match unfolded with early drama as Mario Hermoso and Antonio Rudiger traded early headed goals. Ferland Mendy then propelled Real ahead in the 29th minute. Antoine Griezmann, notching his 174th goal, became Atletico's all-time leading scorer, levelling the score.
Kepa Arrizabalaga's own goal tilted the scales in Atletico's favour, but Dani Carvajal's powerful strike brought Madrid back. The game forced extra time, where Stefan Savic's own goal under Joselu's pressure and Brahim Diaz's counter-attack sealed Real's triumph.
Ancelotti lauded Carvajal's performance, describing him as a "fantastic player with a tremendous personality." He also addressed the predominantly pro-Real crowd in Saudi Arabia, midfielder Toni Kroos faced jeers, prompting Ancelotti's defence. The manager explained, "I don't understand the booing, and I don't think Kroos does either. These are very complicated decisions."
Regarding the upcoming final against either Barcelona or Osasuna in the final, Ancelotti acknowledged the physical toll of the semi-final battle, stating, "There are four days left, but the wear and tear has been terrible. It was very hard. The match was back and forth, very competitive, with two teams fighting a lot. We won because we were more energetic at the end."
Meanwhile, Atletico manager Diego Simeone downplayed the notion of revenge ahead of their upcoming clashes in the Copa del Rey, stating, "It's not revenge, in football there is no revenge. It's a new knock-out game that will be different to today."
As the thrilling victory secured Real Madrid's spot in the Super Cup final, Ancelotti urged his team to rest and recuperate for the decisive match, where they aim to clinch their 13th Super Cup title. The resilient performance against Atletico underscored the unwavering character deeply embedded in Real Madrid's football DNA.
