Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media after Real Madrid’s 2–1 win over Villarreal, a victory that came just three days after a taxing UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

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“My team has something special—character and commitment,” Ancelotti said. “We need to thank these players for the enormous effort they’ve given since January 3. Today is the last time we’re going to play without a 72-hour rest. We asked La Liga twice to reschedule our match, but nothing changed.”

Despite the tight turnaround, Los Blancos rose to the challenge. “We held on during the difficult spells at the start of both halves,” noted Ancelotti. “Then, once we settled, Kylian Mbappe scored twice. We stayed resilient; in the second half, the team was spent, but that was expected. This win says a lot about our squad and the quality we have.”

When asked if Real Madrid would again take to the field this season with fewer than 72 hours’ rest, Ancelotti was unequivocal: “No.”