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Carvajal admitted that the victory was also "important for us to feel good heading into the game next week." Such was the pall of despair hovering over the club after its shocking Schalke setback.
After enduring much criticism and speculation regarding his future throughout the past few days, Carlo Ancelotti echoed Carvajal's words, saying:
"We will take the good first half performance and the win away with us in order to continue improving. I think we'll be full of confidence heading to the Camp Nou"
The boss emphasized his pleasure with his side's performance, particularly during the first half, stressing that:
"We played well, with intensity and quality. We controlled the play and had the lion's share of the goalscoring opportunities."
But for all the optimism, a slightly troubling lack of urgency was on display after Real gained a 2-0 lead. Ancelotti addressed that as well, admitting he was 'worried' because:
"The tempo dropped off a bit in the second half. We were more at ease and played the ball sideways more. We lacked penetration."
The Italian went on to speak of the galvanizing impact the returning Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric had on his sputtering side, telling the media:
"Modric and Ramos have made important contributions to the team. Modric, in terms of the quality he offers, and Ramos, in terms of personality and character."
He then praised a fired-up Gareth Bale's motivation and singled out Modric's impact on Bale due to their level of comfort and familiarity with one another dating back to their White Hart Lane days.
Much was made in some quarters of Cristiano Ronaldo's apparent lack of enthusiasm over Bale's brace and Ancelotti made sure to say that:
"He is lively. The first goal was born out of his shot that was saved on the line. The second also came from a Cristiano effort. He was pivotal in both of Gareth's goals. He didn't score but he was very lively during the game."
It was a result that certainly changed the mood and narrative (at least slightly) ahead of the Clasico.
All systems go.