Carlo Ancelotti insisted that points on the board were the focus instead of performances after they had beaten a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Real's 17th LaLiga victory of the season brought them to the top at points with leaders Barcelona, although Hansi Flick's side has a match in hand on their rivals.
Two goals in four first half minutes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior had Los Blancos under control, but the goal of Pedro Diaz just before the break halved the shortage.
Goalscorers Mbappe and Vinicius wasted glorious opportunities to make the score more comfortable in the second half, but Real could retain an important three points.
But the side of Ancelotti was made to work for their victory, with different attempts from Vallecano in the competition that has only collected an expected goals (XG) in total only 1.02.
Rayo had 20 shots for Real's 10 in the game. Apart from Barcelona, this is the biggest difference for a Los Blancos opponent at the Bernabeu in a Liga game since January 2008 (+10 V Real Zaragoza).
Real has now also admitted 51 goals in 46 games in all competitions this season. Under Laliga clubs, only real Valladolid (68) and Girona (52) have allowed more.
“The feeling is good because the goal was to win,” Ancelotti told a press conference.
“The first half was very good. It could have ended 3-0 or even more, but we missed a few chances, and they found the 2-1 that made the second half a little more complicated, although we also had many opportunities.
“But if you are 2-1 in the 75th minute, you have to avoid problems and defend well. I understand that people don't like it, but we have to take into account the busy schedule with which we are confronted, also play in the Champions League and Copa del Rey …
“It is very difficult to prepare for all those games and to retain the same intensity for 90 minutes.”
51 – Real Madrid has given 51 goals this season in 46 games in all competitions, only Real Valladolid (68) and Girona (52) have admitted more between @LalaLaen teams (51 also Valencia). Holes#realmadridrayo pic.twitter.com/uluyluokhw
– Optajose (@Optajose) March 9, 2025
The victory was a major trust booster prior to their Champions League round of 16 second stage against city rivalen Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
And Ancelotti said he was hopeful that both Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger would be available for their collision with the side of Diego Simeone, where the couple missed Sunday's game.
“Thibaut (Courtois) has a small problem, but I think he will be restored on Wednesday. Hopefully Rudiger can recover from the disease he suffers, a flu,” Ancelotti said.
“The team looks good and players look fresh, considering the calendar. If we play on Wednesday as we did in the first half today, we have a good chance to continue.”
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