Ancelotti: “We played well from start to finish"

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium following Real Madrid's draw against Real Sociedad in LaLiga matchday 19: "It was one of our best performances this season. It was difficult to make substitutions because everyone was playing so well and I made them in order to bring fresh legs on. We played well from start to finish".

"The was we press from the start, didn't allow Real Sociedad to play the way they wanted to play. We pressed high and with intensity. We played well with the ball and we worked hard without it. We created a lot of chances to get the goal, but luck wasn't on our side. That can happen".

The battle for the league title
"If we get a win on Thursday, we will have picked up more points than we did last year. Barcelona are doing very well, but it's a long season. It's been a tough January, but the team has improved a lot in all areas: in attack, defence, the physical side... The team is improving and we've got some injured players coming back this week. We're confident about the coming months".

Camavinga at left-back
"I thought he played well. He's an option that we can use. He has the quality, energy... He links up well with Vini Jr. on the wing, creating chances. I'm impressed by his energy, which can also see him play as a full back. The left back playing with Vini Jr. has to move inside more than outside and that suits him well".

Vini Jr.’s performance 
“He put in a good performance and if he’d have scored it would have been amazing. He’s in good shape. He might make mistakes sometimes but he never stops trying”.

Praise for Ceballos
“He’s playing really well and he showed a very high level today, just as he has in recent games. He’s contributing a lot, particularly in this period where we’re missing some guys and he was ready to step up”.

Nacho at full back 
“He had a spell where he didn’t get much playing time and now he’s doing a great job. He always delivers and he’s doing his bit as a right back. The team worked together defensively and we pressed higher up than usual. That was a positive”.

Does he view Real Sociedad as title challengers?
“They compete in every game, but I think it’s a bit early to talk about them fighting to win LaLiga”.

January window 
“It’s closed in every respect, both in terms of exits and players coming in”.