JAKARTA - The Madrid derby between the 2021/2022 season's La Liga champions Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Monday, 9 May ended in a bittersweet ending for the visitors. Los Blancos had to go home empty-handed because they lost 0-1.
Despite losing to the hosts, coach Carlo Ancelotti was not too bothered. He said, in this match he needed to rest a number of players in preparation for the Champions League final against Liverpool on 29 May.
For Ancelotti, his team's appearance this time should not be criticized. Although he did not really like the performance of his team in the first half, for Ancelotti everything was safe because dropping the three points did not affect their position as La Liga champions.
"Now is not the time to criticize us at this stage. We were not happy with our performance in the first half because there were many mistakes in the placement of passes," said Ancelotti as quoted by the club's official website.
"Mentality is very important in games like this. Atletico have that advantage. We don't need points, but we have to put in a good performance. We played better in the second half," he said.
"We need to rest tired players to prevent potential problems," said Ancelotti.
Atletico Madrid's victory was created by Yannick Carrasco's penalty in the 40th minute. In the second half, Real Madrid had several opportunities to equalize. But all opportunities failed to be realized until the long whistle sounded.
For Ancelotti, nothing is in vain from the efforts of his players. Therefore, the coach still sees the positive side of his team's movement.
"In the second half, we played better. We almost drew and we have to continue that form," said the coach.
"These games helped us find our rhythm and we have until today."
On the other hand, Ancelotti revealed that he would rotate players more often before the duel against Liverpool in Paris later. This is done by the coach so that the players stay fit and do not get injured.
"Our priority is to avoid problems and for the players who haven't played much, it's time for them to play - it will be like that in every next game."
"(Karim) Benzema is tired and has not fully recovered. My main priority is to avoid problems. (Luka) Modric is also tired and I chose not to play him from the start."
"The idea is that they will all be available for the 28th (Champions League final against Liverpool) and we are thinking about it."
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