Ancelotti: "It could have been a banana skin but we started with our ideas clear in our minds and we finished strongly"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu following the Champions League Round of 16 second leg which saw Real Madrid come past Liverpool: "It was a good game, we delivered a complete performance. It could have been a banana skin but we were disciplined early on, with our ideas clear in our minds, and we finished strongly as well. I have no preference over our next opponents. Our aim is to win the Champions League and to do that, we have to get through every round. Italian football has three teams left, which is great for the game in Italy".

"We have so much quality, experience, energy and commitment as a group. We're a modern team because we have all of those attributes. Modrić and Kroos played brilliantly because they brought the ball out from the back so well and really helped us keep the game under control. Modrić and Kroos don't play because of the careers they've had, they play because they deserve to”.

The Champions League
“Last year gave us so much more confidence and you could see that in this tie, across both games against a very strong side. Now we have to play in the quarter-finals and there are surprises in there like the Italian teams, who nobody expected to get this far. The Champions League is very tough and you have to compete and fight to the end".

Changes
“I waited because the team was in good shape. I didn't need to change things for the sake of it. I made some substitutions to stop the game and win it".

Praise for Nacho
“Nacho delivered a top class performance. It isn't easy to play against Salah and he did a brilliant job. The problems I have come when I have to play guys out of position. I would love to give minutes to everyone but you just can't and I have to look at their attitude. Ceballos and Nacho make the most of the time they get in spectacular fashion".

Vini Jr.
"For me, he's the best in the world. He was decisive because he provided the assist and every time he got forward he posed a threat".

Blend of youth and experience
"The players create the atmosphere thanks to their intelligence and humility. The veterans' humility is so important because they don't have egos. Then it's also important that the young players are patient because they know they have guys who have had fantastic careers ahead of them".

Camavinga
"He's enjoying a very good spell at the moment and he's making the most of it. He's doing well with Kroos and Modrić. When Kroos drops off to get possession he has the opportunity to move forward. He played well".

Benzema
"It's a knock. He was feeling a bit sore and it hurts a little, but I think he'll recover without any problems for Sunday".