Real Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelotti, has explained why his team defeated Barcelona 3-1 in Sunday's LaLiga El Clasico.
Ancelotti watched as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, thanks to Rodrygo's late penalty.
Karim Benzema and Federico Valvered also scored for Real Madrid as Ferran Torres' goal was not enough for Barcelona.
Speaking at his post-match press conference after the game, Ancelotti said that the Los Blancos won against Xavi Hernandez's side because his players were clinical in the first half and were good defensively.
"The key was the first half when we were clinical. We managed to bring the ball out from the back well against their press.
"We were good defensively, not leaving them much space, and then we were clinical up front.
"That first half was the key. The intensity of the first half could not be kept up the whole game, but the game was under control. In the second half, Barcelona pushed a bit more and we didn't bring the ball out as well, but we still didn't suffer too much at the back," Ancelotti said.
Real Madrid are now on top of the LaLiga table with 25 points from nine games, while Barca are second with 22 points from the same number of matches.
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