Despite Real Madrid’s surprise inability to beat third tier Olimpic de Xativa in Saturday night’s Copa del Rey first leg tie, manager Carlo Ancelotti pronounced himself satisfied with his team’s efforts.
Los Blancos had to settle for a goalless draw from their trip to the east coast after failing to capitalise upon their territorial advantage.
But Ancelotti refused to criticise his team too heavily, taking into account the awkward artificial playing surface and the absence of regular front three Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema as well as midfield general Xabi Alonso, who were all rested.
“The artificial turf didn’t help us because we’re not used to it and we had some problems,” he said.
“But we still had two or three good opportunities to score.
“It was a difficult game with a lot of long balls, but this pitch isn’t easy to play on. We don’t have to be worried – this team doesn’t have any problems with scoring goals.
“We didn’t play a particularly good game, but it wasn’t bad either. I’m satisfied with the way we played, especially in the second half. We defended well and played with a good balance in the team. We will try to score in the second leg.”
The Italian was also keen to give credit to hosts Xativa, who continued their excellent recent form and are now unbeaten in eight games without conceding a single goal.
“Olimpic defended very well,” he acknowledged.
“They were compact, had great defensive organisation and they worked very hard.”
One of the big talking points before the game was the future of Angel Di Maria, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu after losing his status as a first team regular following Bale’s emergence following his early-season injury problems.
Speculation late last week suggested Monaco are preparing an offer to lure the Argentine winger to the principality, tempting him with regular first-team football with the World Cup in Brazil on the horizon.
Di Maria’s agent is Jorge Mendes who last summer brokered the deals of Radamel Falcao, Ricardo Carvalho, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez to Monaco.
“We haven’t spoken about this,” said Ancelotti.
“He is happy here and I think he wants to stay.”
Ancelotti also downplayed fears of an injury to Di Maria, who was taken off during the second half of Saturday’s stalemate, adding: “He just had a small problem with his knee so he asked to come off.”
The return leg against Xativa takes place at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, December 18.
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