Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed the defensive efforts at Manchester City for their Champions League shootout triumph.

Real are into the semifinals after a stunning second-leg in Manchester.

Ancelotti said: “There was only one way to get out of here alive. We did well to score early on and then we showed the commitment to defend the lead. We defended well, we had to dig in and fight hard. We could have played better but the team were defensively superb.

“We showed the attitude and commitment demanded by this jersey. This is a very special competition for us and we always deliver something that people are not expecting us to produce. Everyone was writing us off but we're still here.

“We're delighted, but we're very tired. Now we have to celebrate because it's a very important qualification. From tomorrow we have to prepare well for Sunday's game. The Clásico is crucial for the league."

On the penalty shootout, he added: “They were all very confident and we had no problems choosing the five takers. Lunin was well prepared as well."