Ancelotti: We completed our mission, and that's why Asensio was substituted

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti appeared at a press conference after the 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.

The coach said: "The team is working very well. We managed the game, but we maintained our solidity. They were very cohesive and very good defensively, and very supportive."

He added: "We have achieved good results despite the changes that have occurred in the team. Endrick contributed a lot by scoring a wonderful goal with a great run. Arda Güler performed very well in this position and in defensive work. It was an intense and competitive match against an opponent who gave their all; we managed to get a good result before the return leg."

He continued: "We had chances in the second half, but they also pressed and had opportunities. It was a good match because this stadium is always difficult; now we have to play the return leg and maintain the same level, but I think the team completed its mission today."

Regarding the referee stopping the match due to insults directed at Asensio: "Asensio performed well; Vinícius Junior spoke with the referee and stopped the match. The protocol was applied, and everything was fine. I substituted Asensio in the second half because he was injured and had a yellow card. No one likes to hear 'Asensio, death to you' from the stands, and I was affected by that. I preferred to substitute him because his emotions could affect him in the match."

About Endrick: "He is a striker with the characteristics he showed in the cup. He is very successful in front of goal, very fast, and strong. He needs to handle the ball better, but he is young and learning quickly. He could have scored another goal, and his shots are amazing."

Regarding Ceballos's injury: "He suffered a muscle problem at the end of the match. Tests will be done for him tomorrow. Each of them has their own characteristics, and he has very good ball handling and contributed to that: better ball handling. Others have different characteristics, but we have Modrić, who is similar to Ceballos in that sense, and Bellingham is playing very well, and we will have to replace an important player like Ceballos, but we will do that."

He added: "Lunin performed wonderfully; he is a very reliable goalkeeper. He was very good last year and this year as well; he will play in the return leg of the semi-final of the cup, but starting a discussion about who will play in a potential final seems distant to me."

About the right-back position: "I have to choose each match individually. For Raúl (Asensio), it was his first time in this position, and I liked him because he performed well defensively. Lucas had a great performance in the second half, and we all know what he can contribute. Valverde is also available. Fortunately, we are completely covered in this position, and we are starting to become more solid defensively, and keeping a clean sheet in a stadium like this is good. Alaba is gaining more rhythm. Ceballos's injury is unfortunate, but we cannot do anything about it."