Ancelotti says Real Madrid almost back to its best
Real Madrid is very close to hitting its best form, manager Carlo Ancelotti said ahead of the club's Champions League trip to France to face Brest.
Madrid is 16th in the 36-team Champions League table on 12 points after four wins and three losses from seven games, winning its last two in the competition to boost its hopes of qualification.
Brest is 13th with 13 points, with both teams guaranteed at least a play-off spot but still harbouring hopes of automatic qualification for the last 16.
Ancelotti's side has already travelled to France once this season, going down 1-0 at Lille in October.
Los Blancos are on a four-game winning streak in all competitions, though, since losing 5-2 to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana on 12 January.
"We were not at our best level yet, but now we're pretty close. Everyone knows exactly what needs to be done and we've improved as a group," Ancelotti said.
"The individual contributions have also been significant. (Kylian) Mbappe, of course, but we can't forget Rodrygo, (Jude) Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. All of this gives me more peace of mind."
Ancelotti heaped praise on France forward Mbappe, who has scored 21 goals in 31 games across all competitions since moving to Madrid, including three goals and an assist in the Champions League.
"Mbappe took some time to adapt but now he's in great shape. So motivated. He enjoys playing with his team-mates, and we're enjoying it," Ancelotti said.
Madrid is still in contention for a top-eight finish but will have to overtake Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Brest, Lille, Feyenoord, Monaco, Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen to achieve that feat.
"We are not going to speculate or keep an eye on other teams' matches. We are going to win and see what happens," Ancelotti said.
Teams finishing ninth through 24th go into the play-offs, which will be held in mid-February. The draw for the two-legged ties is on Friday.
"We'll only focus on ourselves. Winning and trying to finish as high as possible. Then, as for the draw, we will see what happens," Ancelotti said.
