Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has declared himself "happy with everything" after his side secured a 1-0 first leg advantage in their Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich. #INSERT
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caption:Carlo Ancelotti's men took a 1-0 advantage to Munich despite little possession of the ball.
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Ancelotti faced some selection headaches ahead of the clash against Pep Guardiola's European champions, with Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly not fully fit after a recent hamstring strain and Gareth Bale affected by a bout of the flu.
Yet while his side lost out heavily in the possession statistics against Bayern, Ancelotti's side could have secured a bigger first leg advantage after carving out a host of chances against a muted Bayern.
"I'm happy with everything, with the result and the performance of the players because the game was difficult," stated Ancelotti, as reported by Spanish newspaper AS.
"We were timid at first and while we had difficulties in the second half, we had more control of the game. We defended but we have done very good things.
"It was essential to work together. Fabio Coentrao had the help of Isco and Dani Carvajal had Angel Di Maria. You need this in a semifinal.
"We were more comfortable defending in 4-4-2 against teams that have a lot more of the ball. Our defending was good and we did well with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale at 50 percent. It's not easy to be as good as Cristiano was. He wanted to play and he played well.
"The game there will be very difficult and we have to play with the desire and confidence of today. I don't know what will happen but I'm confident."
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos hailed the support his side received inside an electrified Bernabeu, as he hinted Ancelotti's side have uncovered ways to trouble Guardiola's German champions.
"This team has soul and we must thank the public. Playing at home is easier," stated Ramos. "It was a very complicated and very intense game against a team that likes to control the game. We have learned how to create opportunities and cause them harm.
"The atmosphere was amazing. I'm Madridista, I've been here almost 10 years, and it's unforgettable."
Ramos went on to praise keeper Iker Casillas, who made a fine late save from Thomas Muller to maintain Real Madrid's advantage, but he accepted there is still work to be done in the second leg.
"The 1-0 result is satisfactory, a good result to take to Munich," he added. "Bayern have amazing players but we're pleased with the result and our performance. Clearly, though, 1-0 isn't definitive."