Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has rejected criticism of their Champions League win at Manchester City.

Real's defensive tactics drew criticism after the quarterfinal penalty shootout win.

Ancelotti said: "It doesn't surprise me. Everyone is free to give their opinion. You have to handle having the ball well and not having it. We did very well. I haven't found any sad Real Madrid fan. Tell me about the sea, sailor, it's a Spanish saying that I've learned and I like it a lot.

On playing five defenders, he said: "It's a system that we don't rule out from the beginning when there are five or six minutes left. Maybe even six or seven. Even two goalkeepers, but the bus can't..."

On facing Barcelona today, he added: "We are very close, when we are going to play against a very competitive team. They are doing very well. The usual Clásico, equal, competitive, is an opportunity to win the Liga."