Wednesday 17 September 2014 12:41, UK
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has praised his side for bouncing back from their derby defeat to city rivals Atletico at the weekend by thumping Basel in their Champions League Group B opener.
Real have made a mediocre start to their Primera Division campaign, having lost to Real Sociedad before a 2-1 defeat against Diego Simeone's men on Saturday.
Yet they put their domestic woes behind them by romping to a 5-1 win over Basel to begin the defence of the crown in Europe's premier club competition in thrilling style.
Ancelotti, who led Real to a famous 'Decima' last season, was pleased with the team's resolve but admitted there is plenty of room for improvement.
He said on the club's official website: "The team's reaction was good.
"We played with intensity, we pressured them high up the pitch and moved quickly up front. Obviously not all the problems have been solved, but I liked the team's reaction.
"I think the fans will be happy with the match. The team played well, we scored a lot of goals and tried to play as well as we could."
Ancelotti, who has come in for some criticism following the poor start to the season, added: "The Bernabeu was content after that performance. We have to be positive."
Karim Benzema scored Real's fifth, following Marek Suchy's own goal, plus further strikes from Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodrguez, with Derlis Gonzalez's effort proving mere consolation for the Swiss side.
"We've made a very good start to the Champions League. First match, first victory and it was important to win at home. This victory is good for everyone," Benzema said.
