Real run perfect momentum ahead of Chelsea rematch

On the Nuevo Mirandilla field yesterday, Real dominated when controlling the ball 70%, finishing 35 times with 11 shots on target, compared to 12 and 3 of the host. The royals created a series of opportunities, when Karim Benzema leaked the crossbar from close range 35 minutes, or Rodrygo and Federico Valverde squandered close-range shots in the second half.

The difference is only made by one defender. In the 72nd minute, receiving a pass from Aurelien Tchouameni, left-back Nacho controlled a beat and then shot from the corner of the penalty area, sending the ball out of reach of goalkeeper David Gil.

Real sealed the victory three minutes later, with a thick left foot cut in the far corner of Marco Asensio. The Spaniard has contributed to 16 goals in all competitions this season, including ten goals and six assists. This is Asensio's best single season at Real since 2017-2018, when he had 11 goals and seven assists.

With this result, Real now has 72 points, 10 points behind Barca - Getafe's guest club today. Ancelotti said that Real lost in the championship race because of the decline after the 2022 World Cup, but once again affirmed that he would not give up.

The Italian coach praised Tchouameni, Asensio, Benzema or Dani Ceballos all playing well, and joked that he would have a headache to choose 11 players to start in the Chelsea rematch on April 18. "I am satisfied with the way the team plays," said Ancelotti. "It was a good performance at a crucial moment of the season. The attitude of the players on the pitch was excellent, although it was not easy to prepare."

According to Ancelotti, Real are in very good shape, as shown by Benzema - a 35-year-old player - showing great form and playing both matches against Chelsea and Cadiz. He revealed Vinicius and Toni Kroos are absent due to minor problems, but will reappear at Stamford Bridge in the middle of next week.