Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was left delighted with their 3-2 Champions League win at Napoli.
Jude Bellingham struck again as Real’s winner came via an own goal from Napoli keeper Alex Meret after Fede Valverde’s thunderous drive.
Ancelotti said: “We put on a complete and serious performance. We played very well in the first half and after their goal we did very well between the lines and created chances. The pattern of the game changed after the penalty and Napoli pressed higher up the pitch. We were up against it for 10 or 15 minutes and then we regained control and scored towards the end.
“The first-half success was because the positions of Bellingham, Valverde and Rodrygo caused Napoli a lot of problems between the lines. Napoli’s pressure couldn’t counter this. The result is fair and I expected a Napoli side with quality and dangerous players.
On Bellingham, Ancelotti said: “I’m surprised he’s only 20 years old because he looks like he’s 30 because of his character and attitude. He is always focused on the game and knows what he has to do. It’s unusual for a 20-year-old. He has a lot of quality, physical strength and skill. He surprises me like he does to everyone else.”
On Luka Modric’s performance, he added: “He did what we expected him to do: to use his experience to help the team. He played 30 minutes at a high level and that means he’s motivated and can contribute. That’s what the coach asks of a player who is not playing. He’s been fantastic in that respect.”
