Mixed feelings for Simeone and Ancelotti
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Article summary
There were mixed feelings for the two coaches after the scoreless draw at the Vicente Calderón although Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti both found grounds for optimism.
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Article body
• Goalless draw sets up "classic" second leg according to Diego Simeone
• Atlético coach calls for more intensity in next week's sequel
• Carlo Ancelotti regrets Real Madrid's first-half misses
• Italian keen for repeat of first-half performance from his team
• Second leg will take place at Santiago Bernabéu next Wednesday
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
The tie is still open. Madrid played better in the first half. We had a great goalkeeper in Jan Oblak who did well, especially with the Gareth Bale chance. We responded in the second half and changed the game, playing in the areas where we needed to play. The second half was more like the match we had imagined. Mario Mandžukić battled really well all game and competed well against Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane.
Bringing on Raúl García for Antoine Griezmann was intended to strengthen the midfield. Fernando Torres's introduction prompted that of Álvaro Arbeloa. Next week's match will be a classic game that everybody will enjoy. A match containing all the best things in football, that will make us fall in love with the sport again. We have to do what we did in the second half here. That is what we do well. It is normal that Real Madrid played like they did in the first half. We have to play with more intensity to avoid it happening again.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach
We deserved more than a 0-0, especially in the first half. The first period was fantastic and we played with a lot of personality. The second half was different. Atlético pressed more. The result is not so good but we are confident. Atlético are one of the best teams in the world defensively and that is the reason we had problems scoring. We didn't finish well but we did a good job. We have to repeat this showing next Wednesday. Marcelo's yellow card means he will not play in the next match.
Pepe was not in perfect condition and Raphaël Varane was playing well; I felt more confident with Varane and he played a great game. Jan Oblak did well for them. With his opportunity, Gareth Bale did everything he had to do and the goalkeeper made a good save. We have to repeat our first-half performance during the whole of the second leg at the Bernabéu.
