Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's absence helped inspire his players to success in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday night.
Gareth Bale's late goal secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the final, and Ancelotti was eager to praise his players for how they responded to playing without the injured Ronaldo.
"We pressed high up the pitch and we took advantage on the counter," the Italian told reporters. "We played really well and all the players worked hard so congratulations to them.
"Cristiano's absence motivated the players. It made them work even harder. They all did well. You have to play as a team to beat Barcelona and we did that.
"Barcelona tried but we knew how to play against them. We needed to be compact and we were. We will take strength from this for the other two competitions."
Ronaldo was full of praise for his teammates following the final whistle at the Mestalla.
Callum Mulvihill
