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Jesé Rodríguez, who as a late substitute for Isco scored the winning goal, was predictably pleased about his second important league goal this season.
This win is very important and to score was amazing. It is a dream to score the deciding goal. We showed everything we like in the team and that we're a strong unit. The first half was not as strong but then the team reacted and went in search of the goal. I have scored in big matches in the Camp Nou and the Mestalla but I'm just happy with the win, which is very important for the team. We're doing well although we've dropped some points.
The player is aware of rumours of a possible loan deal and addressed the subject obliquely. "It is clear that I wanted to stay here and I am showing that." His ambition is to see more playing time, though he admitted that with "world class" competition for spots he would probably have to be patient. "You have to show respect...and work your way into the team."
He finished by thanking Carlo Ancelotti and, in particular, Zinedine Zidane, for helping him in practice.
Carlo Ancelotti professed himself very pleased with this match and was happy with the display put on by his men in a difficult stadium. He felt that they had showed they wanted to win until the final minute of the match.
He went further:
I am pleased with this first part of the season and I have high hopes for 2014. The team keeps fighting, working hard and has a lot of quality. We have lost some points whilst looking to play the way we wanted. I think 2014 may be very good for Real Madrid.
On the job his team did in midfield:
We did well. Isco had more problems because Parejo and Oriol played well, but the control of the play was good.
[On Di Maria] He deserves to play in this team as much as other players, but I cannot make the whole squad happy. This sort of competition is normal in a big team, but all the players get along well...
He finished his comments by setting his team a goal: to do better on defending set-pieces.
*The writer would like to wish members of Managing Madrid a Merry Christmas.
