Ancelotti: The return match will be decisive, and we will not change our style

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti appeared at a press conference to discuss tomorrow's match against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

The coach said: "We have beautiful memories of the match we played at the Bernabeu against Manchester City. It was a special night, and we want to replicate that kind of match. There was a lack of attitude against Betis, and I hope this is an exception."

He added: "It's a close match, and it will be decided in the return leg. The goal tomorrow is to play well and benefit from the return match. The competition will be close and intense, and we cannot think of getting a significant advantage. It's not possible. They are a competitor who competes very well and strongly, and the tie will be equal until the end."

Regarding commitment and sacrifice: "In my time, there were players who focused more on quality, and those who have more quality find it harder to make sacrifices. There are two types of players: those who run and those who make a difference. You either run or make a difference; you can't be in the middle."

On the condition of Fede Valverde: "Yesterday he had good feelings on an individual level, and today he will train with the team. After training, we will make a decision on whether he will play or not. If he is not ready, Vazquez will play at right-back and not Asensio."

About Griezmann and Mbappe: "They are among the best players in the world. They have tremendous quality, although they have different characteristics. Griezmann likes to come and play and rarely makes passing mistakes, while Kylian has the quality of a true striker; he is stronger in finishing attacks and moving away from the ball."

Regarding the absence of Bellingham and Ceballos and its impact on the team: "I don't think our playing idea will change. I don't think it will change much. We have to keep in mind that the players who have had rest may have the opportunity tomorrow: Asensio, Camavinga... We have to look at these kinds of things and nothing more than that. We will not reinforce the midfield or replace a forward. We have to maintain the same idea."

He added: "Does the team lack spirit? No, they are a team capable of reading match situations well, which we did not do in the match against Real Betis."

He continued: "We must consider the difference between the rivals. Atletico is a more direct team and can launch more counterattacks. But I don't want to change our style, mentality, or approach."

Regarding whether he has a team capable of competing for all titles: "We have faced some very serious injuries. This affects the season, of course, but in this regard, a very good player has emerged who helps us a lot, like Raul Asensio. Sometimes injuries are an opportunity to see the team's character and lineup and new players. The truth is that this schedule requires a lot of physical effort from the players."

He concluded: "Derby matches are always similar; they are special matches in terms of emotions and the pressures you face before the match. They are equal and competitive, and tomorrow's match will be so as well. Atletico is having a very good season. In the last derby match, we played very poorly in the first half and very well in the second. We need to think about playing like we did in the second half and not like we did in the first half. It's not too complicated."