MADRID, Mar 16 (AFP): Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed his side's character as they ground out a 1-0 win away to Malaga Saturday to maintain their three-point lead at the top of La Liga.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner midway through the first-half, but Los Blancos were forced to hang on in the final stages as Malaga pressed hard for an equaliser.
"You can't always win 2-0 or 3-0. I am happy because the team showed solidity, a good attitude, worked together and knew how to suffer," said the Italian.
"I don't think it was our worst game in recent times. As I said, our play wasn't spectacular, but we made up for that with other things.
"We had chances to kill off the game, we failed with the final pass a lot of times. It was a normal game against a team with a lot of desire as all the teams have at this time of the season.
"We need to value how well Malaga played too. They worked very hard and pressed well."
The victory sets Real up nicely for next weekend's visit of Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti's men currently lead Barca by seven points, although the Catalans can cut that gap back to four points with a win at home to Osasuna Sunday.
Ancelotti happy with attitude of below-par Madrid
FE Team | Published: March 17, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
Share if you like