Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says they deserve credit for sticking to their playing principles.

Ahead of Sunday's clash with Real Mallorca, Ancelotti as eager to highlight their playing record.

He said, “Madrid deserves the credit it gets and scoring a goal from a 33-pass play doesn't mean that's our whole identity. The game was almost over and we wanted to finish it out with a long spell of possession.

"The stats say it's easier to score in under ten passes. The numbers show very few goals come from over ten passes. You could say that playing a possession-based game which has been fashionable and has seen success in recent years. Football is changing and it's more direct. Possession football is less popular than it has been recently in every country."

He added: “Mallorca have done a great job in recent games, they've been solid at the back. They've only conceded three and they were penalties. They'll set up to defend and hit us on the counter."