Points over performances for Ancelotti and Real after Vallecano victory

Carlo Ancelotti insisted that points on the board were the focus instead of performances after they edged to a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. 

Real's 17th LaLiga victory of the season moved them level on points with leaders Barcelona at the summit, though Hansi Flick's side do have a game in hand on their rivals.

Two goals in four first-half minutes from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior had Los Blancos in control, but Pedro Diaz's goal just before the break halved the deficit. 

Goalscorers Mbappe and Vinicius squandered glorious opportunities to make the scoreline more comfortable in the second half, but Real were able to hold on for an important three points. 

But Ancelotti's side were made to work for their win, facing several attempts from Vallecano in the contest that accumulated an expected goals (xG) total of just 1.02. 

Rayo had 20 shots to Real's 10 in the contest. Apart from Barcelona, this is the biggest difference for a Los Blancos opponent at the Bernabeu in a LaLiga game since January 2008 (+10 v Real Zaragoza). 

Real have also now conceded 51 goals in 46 games this season in all competitions. Among LaLiga clubs, only Real Valladolid (68) and Girona (52) have let in more.

"The feeling is good, because the objective was to win," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"The first half was very good. It could have ended 3-0 or even more, but we missed a few chances, and they found the 2-1 that made the second half a bit more complicated, although we also had a lot of chances.

"But when you're 2-1 up in the 75th minute, what you have to do is avoid problems and defend well. I understand that people didn't like it, but we have to take into account the busy schedule we are facing, also playing in the Champions League and Copa del Rey...

"It's very difficult to prepare for all those games and maintain the same intensity for 90 minutes."

The victory was a big confidence booster ahead of their Champions League round of 16 second leg against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. 

And Ancelotti said that he was hopeful that both Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger would be available for their clash with Diego Simeone's side, with the pair missing Sunday's match. 

"Thibaut (Courtois) has a small problem, but I think he will be recovered just fine for Wednesday. Hopefully Rudiger can recover from the illness he is suffering, a flu," Ancelotti said.

"The team is looking fine and players look fresh, considering the calendar. If we play on Wednesday like we did in the first half today, we have a good chance of going through."