Ancelotti: "It's happened again and it was magical"
"It's hard to explain. It almost feels like a habit to do this at this magnificent stadium in front of these magnificent fans," reflected the Real Madrid coach.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu to assess Real Madrid's qualification for the Champions League final with their win over Bayern: “It's happened again. Something that has happened time after time, which is inexplicable, has happened again. A set of fans who drive us, a stadium that supports us, a stunning atmosphere and a group of players who believe. It's magical. We played well, I think it was a tough game but we had control, we didn't lose our heads when they scored and we got back into it. I'd like to the fans, the club and above all, the players, they've delivered a season nobody expected, myself included. I didn't imagine that this squad would be capable of what they've achieved. Making the final... we're going to have a great time with the fans because we're going to celebrate LaLiga in the coming days, I want a time to celebrate, to go to Cibeles. There's a happiness which is contagious for the players."
“It's hard to explain. Impossible to explain. It's the magic of this club in this competition, at this stadium and with these fans. It's special. When you pull on this jersey, you feel something special. The fans made the difference tonight, like they have in the past. It almost feels like a habit to do this at this magnificent stadium in front of these magnificent fans. We're delighted to be able to play at this stadium with our fans."
What does Real Madrid mean?
"Real Madrid is a family, managed brilliantly by the president. It is a football club with history and traditions that has an impact on all those who are lucky enough to work here and wear these colours. Florentino Pérez is the captain and we are all his sailors. He's a superb president, capable of creating this generation of footballers, who have achieved so much and I hope we can win another Champions League.”
The second goal VAR review
“They told me from the bench the goal was good and I was thinking about how to approach the final minutes to defend our advantage. I was sure the goal was okay."
What were you thinking in the final moments?
“That it would be enough to level the game but when you tie it up with two minutes to go, that's such a blow to the opposition. I wouldn't say we were convinced we would win it when we scored, but we could always try and get another. I was focused on what the team was doing. We had a difficult spell after we conceded the goal but the fresh legs coming on really brought us a lot. I just wanted to get more energy into the game."
Praise for the squad
“We have had all sorts of problems with injuries. Everyone talks about Courtois, Alaba and Militão, but we've also lost Vini Jr., Tchouameni, Camavinga at different stages to injury. We've never complained and the team has just turned those problems into a chance to show the value of this squad."
“We have an extraordinary atmosphere. We're delighted with what we've been able to achieve so far. We're in for some amazing days! I'll have to get ready for them."
Joselu's mentality
“He's a reflection of the team because he has contributed so much this season. He hasn't had a lot of game time but he's the perfect reflection of what this team is all about. He has given us so much, without ever losing confidence in what he's capable of."
Refereeing
“The last move was fairly clear. It may not have been offside but the linesman raises his flag, the referee blows his whistle and we stop. If they complain about that, we'll talk about the goal we had ruled out. Kimmich dives, they were both shoving each other. He's a top-class referee who has officiated the World Cup final."
Vini Jr.'s immense display
“Very few players are capable of doing what he's done in this semi-final. We now have a final ahead of us and he'll be a key player. What he has been able to do in the first and second leg is not very common at all."