Ancelotti addresses refereeing decisions, Endrick, Courtois, and Tchouameni following the 1-1 draw between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting that earning a point in such a competitive match was a positive result. While Real Madrid nearly secured a win, he acknowledged Atletico Madrid’s strength, stating that a draw, although disappointing, was acceptable.

A notable moment in the match was a brief interruption when the referee paused play due to objects being thrown from the stands. Ancelotti remained composed, commending the referee for managing the situation by sending both teams to the locker room for a short break.

“The referee handled it well. We addressed a few things in the dressing room. No one liked the interruption because everyone wanted to keep playing, but the referee managed the situation effectively,” the manager said, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

The Italian manager didn’t linger on the incident, emphasizing the importance of remaining composed during such disruptions. “The referee informed us that lighters had been thrown, and we needed to go to the locker room to take a break,” he added.
Reflecting on Atletico’s late goal by Angel Correa that denied Real Madrid the win, Ancelotti acknowledged the frustration of conceding so late, especially after being so close to three points. “This draw feels different because we were very close to winning. While it’s disappointing to allow a last-minute goal, we must recognize that the opponent is strong,” the manager noted.

He emphasized that Real Madrid will continue to fight and maintain focus, considering a point against the league leaders a positive outcome. “We will keep battling; we’re not desperate, and this could be a valuable point for the future. Taking a point off the leaders is positive. We’re in good form and already looking ahead to the Champions League.”

When asked about his tactical decisions, Ancelotti defended his substitutions, stating that it was reasonable to make defensive changes while holding a lead. “I don’t regret the changes; it’s logical to defend when you have an advantage. We performed well, but we have to recognize that they created a good opportunity and could have scored,” he explained.

He commended the team’s overall defensive effort but admitted that Atletico Madrid managed to break through in the final moments. Ancelotti also noted that both teams aimed to control the game and defend effectively, which was a key focus for Real Madrid after last season’s derby defeat. “Both teams wanted to manage the game and defend well. Our goal was to defend better than we did in last year’s derby.”
Ancelotti was briefly asked about an incident involving young striker Endrick, who opted to shoot instead of passing to a better-positioned teammate. The manager downplayed the situation, acknowledging that while Endrick could have made a different choice, it wasn’t a major issue. “It’s different from the play against Stuttgart. He could have passed to Bellingham, but I don’t see it as a significant drama.”

He also mentioned that Courtois felt some muscle discomfort and will undergo medical tests to evaluate his injury. “He has experienced some discomfort and will be tested tomorrow.”

Ancelotti concluded by praising Aurelien Tchouameni’s defensive performance, reaffirming his confidence in the young player while keeping the focus on the upcoming challenges for Real Madrid. “Tchouameni has played very well defensively,” he noted.Carlo Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with Real Madrid’s performance after a hard-fought draw against Atletico Madrid, acknowledging that while the team was close to securing a win, the result was still positive. He noted that earning a point in such a competitive match, especially against the league leaders, was valuable. Despite the disappointment of conceding a late goal from Angel Correa, Ancelotti commended his team for their efforts.

The match was briefly interrupted due to objects being thrown from the stands, but Ancelotti remained composed and praised the referee for managing the situation well by taking both teams to the locker room. “The referee handled it well,” Ancelotti said, as reported by *Mundo Deportivo*, adding that although no one liked the break, it was necessary.

Ancelotti defended his tactical decisions, especially the defensive substitutions made to protect the lead, saying, “It’s logical to defend when you have an advantage.” He also downplayed a minor incident involving young striker Endrick, who opted to shoot instead of passing to a better-positioned teammate, noting that while it could have been handled differently, it wasn’t a significant issue.

He highlighted Aurelien Tchouameni’s strong defensive performance and revealed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would undergo medical tests after feeling some muscle discomfort. Looking ahead, Ancelotti maintained his focus on future challenges, particularly the Champions League, and emphasized that Real Madrid is in good form.