Carlo Ancelotti has thanked Diego Simeone for how he complimented Real Madrid's defending in their 2-1 win over city rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
The reigning La Liga champions took the lead halfway into the first half through Rodrygo before Federico Valverde continued his impressive scoring form by doubling their lead in the 36th minute. Real were in control for the majority of the game and defended well, up until Simeone's side pulled one back.
Mario Hermoso struck with seven minutes of normal time to play as Atletico tried to get themselves back into the game. However, Los Blancos held out to claim a vital three points after Hermoso was given a red card in added time.
After the game, Simeone praised Real's defensive performance and how they executed their low block. He said, via Marca : "The players gave everything, they gave themselves well to the game, they have a very good direct game, a quick transition from defence to attack, forcefulness, orderly defence, play well, take advantage of their chances... It is a great job by the Madrid coach.
"They counter-attack with significant speed beyond the talent they have. But I think we always tried not to leave the game and in the second half we improved the intensity, I'll keep that, when [Matheus] Cunha and Morata came on, they gave a little more life. But if against Madrid you don't have intensity."
It's a result that puts Real back on top of La Liga following Barcelona's 3-0 win over Elche on Saturday. Los Blancos set up in a slightly different way against Atletico, deploying a deep block with Aurelien Tchouameni acting as the sitting midfielder, closer to the two centre-backs than usual.
Will Real Madrid defend their Champions League title? Let us know in the comments below!
When hearing about his counterpart's praise, Ancelotti said: "With Simeone, we greet each other before the match, his custom is good. I think the team has replaced Karim well. We have done well, everyone who has played in this position has done well, today Rodrygo scored a spectacular goal, the squad's mood is very high.
"Yes, we have defended with a low block and we are used to it. We removed the danger of breaking the Griezmann or Joao Felix, the low block allowed us to control them well. If Simeone says that we have defended well in a low block I tell him thank you, it is a compliment."
It was an important result for Real heading into the international break as they continued their winning start to the season, with Los Blancos winning all eight of their matches so far.
