Ancelotti: "This team fights, digs in, plays some great football and shows extraordinary commitment"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press conference at the Santiago Bernabéu following Real Madrid's win over Villarreal on LaLiga matchday 17. The Italian explained: "It was a complete performance by the whole team and there was an extraordinary level of collective commitment on display. The individual moments of brilliance were key, like Modrić's pass to Bellingham. The latter just keeps on scoring, there was a goal for Rodrygo to and of course, Brahim's wonderful individual goal. He put the icing on the cake of a superb defensive performance."

“This isn't a statement. We're doing a good job and today was one of our best games, particularly in terms of our defensive press."

Hard-fought LaLiga campaign
“Girona is our biggest rival to this point. The LaLiga season is very long and it will be hard fought until the end, with Barcelona and Atlético too."

Alaba's injury
“I haven't spoken with him. The medical report says he's ruptured his cruciate ligament. We're really sad about it because he's another player we'll lose. I've never had three of my players get cruciate injuries inside three months. What the team has to do is exactly what it's been doing so far, with all the injuries we've had. We've done more than what anyone believed we were capable of. Despite the problems, this team fights, digs in, plays some great football and shows extraordinary commitment. That's the only way to fill in for all the guys who are out injured. We'll see what can be done in the coming days."

Tchouameni
“Tchouameni is the first option at centre-back. He did a great job against Osasuna. Of course it isn't his natural position but this is an emergency and I think he can fill in."

Academy
“Marvel has trained with us but he's injured at the moment. We'll see what we can do over Christmas."

“Bellingham has been a key player, he performed really well and fights for every ball. I took him off to avoid any issues. He's had the shoulder problem and when I can save him some minutes, I will do so."

Strong defence 
“We started the season in a diamond shape, with the wings a little deserted. We've changed it up now and the press was incredible today. We put Luka on the centre-back and Lucas Vázquez took the full-back. When you press high, the game has a great edge to it. That suits us without the ball and against teams who are strong on the ball like Villarreal. Our opponents were never comfortable on the ball today and my team deserves the credit for that."

Mendy and Carvajal
“Carvajal will train with the group on Tuesday but we won't risk him. Mendy decided to come off because he felt a strain in his abductor and I was keen to replace him so it didn't get any worse."

Christmas
“All that's on my mind now is winning Thursday's game, resting up for a week on holiday and deciding who the goalkeeper is going to be against Mallorca".

In the sticks
“Lunin is one of our two starting goalkeepers. Kepa is the other. Vinicius, Camavinga and Arda Güler will be ready when we come back from the holidays."

Militão
“Militão is recovering really well, as is Courtois. We haven't thought about their returns yet but it could be before the end of the season."