Carlo Ancelotti reflects on "fantastic year" for Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti has brushed aside Real Madrid's 4-2 friendly defeat against AC Milan, praising his side for their efforts in what has been a "fantastic year" for the club.

The Spanish giants claimed their much-coveted 10th European title in May, while also winning the Copa Del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and most recently the Club World Cup in Marrakech.

Madrid, who are currently on a 22-game winning run in competitive action, were unable to see out their record-breaking year with victory over Milan last night, although Ancelotti remains upbeat ahead of 2015.

"After a week-long break we needed a game like this," the Italian is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "The defeat does not bother us at all and on a technical level the team was good. Now we have to rest up and then prepare for the [Liga] game against Valencia [on Sunday].

"Milan played well, we didn't, but you can't say that this will affect the work we have already done. After the break we needed a match like this in order to prepare for Sunday. We are really happy to put an end to a fantastic year."

Ancelotti also confirmed that Marcelo is back in training after picking up a hamstring injury in the recent Club World Cup final against San Lorenzo.