Real Madrid Edge Atletico in Penalty Thriller

Wednesday’s celebration of Real Madrid’s hard-earned victory against Atletico Madrid earned a quarter-final berth in the Champions League, but manager Carlo Ancelotti was more relieved than delighted with what he believed was a poor effort.

After the contest ended 2-2 overall, Real secured the victory 4-2 in a penalty shootout as the defending champions sought a record-breaking 16th European Cup triumph. After Real had gained a 2-1 first-leg advantage at home last week, Ancelotti was let down when Real let up a goal inside the first minute that equalize the draw.

As his team are ready to face Arsenal for a spot in the semis, he advised them to be more precise.

Ancelotti addressed a news conference, “I have tried to explain to my players that the priority was not to make the game more complicated than it already was.”

“We made it more difficult by losing pointless balls that continuously caught us out of position. Should they have scored 2-0, the game might have spiraled out of hand. We had our chances, performed better as the game went on, but we still have to work on our concentration and focus,” he remarked.

“We constantly have to seek for development. The tie was level, hence a mistake might have been expensive. Sure, we intended to complete the game before penalties, but here we are, still in competition and fighting as is usual at this club.”