Real Madrid´s LaLiga joy must be ´contained´ ahead of Bayern meeting

Carlo Ancelotti knows Real Madrid’s LaLiga title celebrations must be “contained” as they prepare to take on Bayern Munich.

Madrid were crowned LaLiga champions for a record-extending 36th time on Saturday, after Barcelona lost 4-2 to Girona.

The Blaugrana’s defeat followed on from Madrid beating Cadiz 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham and Joselu were on target for Los Blancos, whose coach Ancelotti knows restraint is needed in his team’s celebrations, with the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern coming up on Wednesday.

“It’s obviously a contained joy, because the most important game of the season is also very close, but we have to be happy,” Ancelotti told Movistar Plus+ before the Barca game had been played.

“These games are difficult to prepare for, because you have Wednesday on your mind. But so far it’s been spectacular, our team was steady, with hardly any mistakes. The advantage we have is well deserved.

“A big part [of Madrid’s success] was achieved when we started to defend better, with a collective commitment.

“The effort put by the players up front was great, but the injuries early in the season helped us to realise that it wasn’t about individuals but putting on a collective effort, and we did great.”

@Brahim: “We know what magical nights at the Bernabéu are like and we want another one on Wednesday.”#RealMadridCádiz pic.twitter.com/HCFcjIBKfc

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 4, 2024

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Ancelotti said: “We are very good. It is the seventh victory in a row in the League, a spectacular one as a whole.

“We are very close to winning it and I think we are going to do it with merit.

“It is a celebration taking into account what has to happen on Wednesday. We are all happy with the match, but let’s think about Bayern.”

Thibaut Courtois, meanwhile, returned from his long injury lay-off to feature for the first time this season.

Ancelotti added: “Thibaut is a very important piece for this team, although [Andriy] Lunin has had a spectacular season and that is a lot of credit to Andriy. But Courtois has returned very well and was decisive. He is doing very well.”