Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti remained notably reserved when asked about the referee’s decision to grant Atletico Madrid a penalty in their 1-1 La Liga draw. The penalty gave Atletico the advantage, but Real Madrid later equalized to secure an important point. When questioned about the call, Ancelotti carefully avoided controversy, responding, “The VAR gave the penalty. The referee was very close to the action and saw what happened very well. I saw a similar penalty in Athletic-Girona. Football people don’t understand this.”
Rather than focusing on the debate, Ancelotti highlighted the positives from the match, commending two of his players for their excellent performances. “Let me say that Raul Asencio and Tchouameni were fantastic tonight,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao reflected on his team’s determined 2-0 triumph over Empoli in Serie A. He admitted that calculated risks were necessary to securethe victory, particularly after Empoli went down to 10 men due to a red card. “We are working in several directions, but we don’t have much time for training,” he noted. “Defensive actions are crucial for maintaining the team’s stability. We had to adapt and make some adjustments to capitalize on Empoli’s numerical disadvantage.”
Conceicao also used the moment to commend Santiago Giménez’s display, stating, “Quality stands out when players are able to step out of their comfort zones and contribute to the team’s success. These small details can elevate everyone to a higher level.” He stressed the significance of teamwork and adaptability, adding, “Football isn’t just about possession—there are a whole set of tasks to perform without the ball. Our players demonstrated a great understanding of this, and it paid off in the end.”