Was it the Best Match of the Season?
Carlo Ancelotti: "Yes, I think we maintained the good things we did in the first leg. We played a complete match in every aspect. The team worked very well without the ball, and when that happens, the quality is very high, and we create chances."
Have you found your best starting eleven?
Carlo Ancelotti: "The idea of defending in a 4-4-2 shape is the right one; the team feels comfortable. We must highlight the defensive work of Bellingham and Rodrygo. We need to continue on this path with this system."
Were you surprised by Haaland’s absence? Who is your preferred opponent in the Round of 16?
Carlo Ancelotti: "Without Haaland, City loses a lot of attacking power. We scored early and then controlled the game well. It took us ten matches to reach the Round of 16. Atlético or Leverkusen are teams that deserve a lot of respect."
Did you silence the critics?
Carlo Ancelotti: "It’s impossible to win every match. You will have setbacks, and you cannot silence people."
Asensio’s assist for the first goal?
Carlo Ancelotti: "He is doing very well. He provided that assist, just like he did in his first match against Osasuna. He looks like a veteran, and he needs to keep going. If the national team coach thinks he is good enough to be called up, that’s great for him."
Can Mbappé reach Cristiano Ronaldo’s numbers?
Carlo Ancelotti: "He has the quality to reach that level. He has to work hard because Cristiano set the bar extremely high. But with the talent and enthusiasm that Mbappé has to play here, I think he can reach Cristiano’s level. It won’t be easy; he has to work hard."
Tchouaméni?
Carlo Ancelotti: "Everyone did their job today. He played in his position and showed his quality. He was well-positioned. Dani (Ceballos) is a more possession-based player. Aurélien is very important for us. He can't be Kroos, Modrić, or Ceballos, just as Ceballos can't be Tchouaméni."
Have you found the key?
Carlo Ancelotti: "I think so, we are on the right track. We believe in the same things many others believe in. It was difficult for us to find it, and now we have to work to maintain this level and, if possible, improve it."
Is Real Madrid a favorite to win the Champions League? How do you see Ceballos’ development?
Carlo Ancelotti: "Dani is contributing a lot. He is in good physical condition, has quality, plays very cleanly, and is always available. It was difficult for us to find this team. Every three days, there’s a new challenge, and what I say today may not be valid tomorrow. I think the players have understood the key idea: working without the ball."
Valverde as a full-back?
Carlo Ancelotti: "He is happy to play there, but it was an emergency situation. When Lucas returns, we will have both Fede and Lucas as options, and Lucas has always performed well in that position."
After eliminating City, do you see any positive side to playing another round?
Carlo Ancelotti: "No, there are too many matches. It’s not about getting through a difficult period; it’s that we are entering a tough phase with the Copa del Rey, La Liga, and the Champions League... But emotionally, yes, this match was good for us."