Real manager Jose Mourinho was happy to come up with a 4-1 victory over Ajax in the Champions League after Cristiano Ronaldo scored his second successive hat-trick.
Ronaldo opened the scoring before Karim Benzema struck a brilliant overhead kick to make it 2-0 for the visitors. Ajax struck back through a header from Niklas Moisander, but Ronaldo put the game beyond doubt with two wonderful efforts.
Mourinho was relieved to pick up all three points, that sees the Spanish giants top of the group with six points. "We controlled the game for 75 minutes," the Portuguese coach said. "Until Ajax scored I was very impressed with my team.
"Considering we were playing a side that were very well organised and playing in a very compact manner, we did really well. We lost a little bit of that control when they scored and the game turned dangerous for us.
"We did manage to resolve it with two goals. We won, we won in a group that is no joke. It's a very serious section we are in. Having two wins and six points at this stage we can feel a little calmer about things, but not too calm."
Mourinho also praised the contributions of Kaka and Sergio Ramos.
"It's my task to get the best out of my players," he said. (Sergio Ramos) played very well tonight. He's put in three very good performances since (he was left out) against Manchester City.
"This was also a game that played towards the characteristics of Kaka. Having to choose is not a problem for me, it's my job. Kaka and Mesut Ozil looked good this evening."
Ajax head coach Frank De Boer was frustrated with his side's performance. "I thought we played very badly," he said. "We never reached our level and when you fail to do that there is no way you can beat opponents like Real Madrid.
"With the score at 2-1 we had chances, including a great one to equalise, but we didn't deserve parity to be honest. Madrid are all stars, with four world and European champions. I wanted to see our style, and tonight I'm afraid I didn't.
"I am frustrated and not just a little bit. Before the match we told them: 'reach your potential'. They got nowhere near it, especially at the beginning. After it went 2-1 there was little hope, but we didn't deserve anything. This is very disappointing, especially as the space was there to play well."
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
