Ancelotti: "Luck is on our side this time"

In the second leg of the Champions League round of 16, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said that luck was on their side this time.

In the first leg, Real Madrid led 2-1. However, in the second leg, Conor Gallagher helped Atletico Madrid score in the first minute of the game. Until the end of the game, neither side scored again, the total score was tied 2-2, and it eventually went to a penalty shootout.

Real Madrid successfully scored 4 penalties, won the game and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. In the press conference after the game, Ancelotti analyzed the game and said: "It was a difficult game, especially when you lose the ball in the first minute, which makes the game more difficult."

"After that, Atletico dropped back to defend and tried to create threats on the counter-attack. Our priority was to keep the ball efficiently without complicating the game, as it was a close match."

"Atletico Madrid is undoubtedly one of the best defensive teams in the world. They are well organized, defend well, and the whole team cooperates well. We had a great breakthrough through Mbappe and created a great chance, but unfortunately we missed the penalty and the game eventually went to penalties."

When talking about the penalty shootout, Ancelotti admitted that it is difficult to predict what factors will determine the outcome in this situation. Ancelotti said: "I really don't know what to do in a penalty shootout to bring different results. You can only choose the calmest players to take the penalty."

"A penalty shootout is a game of luck, and this time luck was on our side. Although Atletico Madrid was eliminated, they showed a very high level of competition and they can leave the field with their heads held high."