Diego Lopez is first choice, says Ancelotti

The Italian has been pleased with the performances of his goalkeeper so far this season and is not considering a change between the posts

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says Diego Lopez is his first choice goalkeeper after starting the first two games of the season ahead of Iker Casillas.

Los Blancos recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Granada on Monday night thanks to a Karim Benzema goal in the first half, but the major talking point was again the decision to leave Casillas on the bench.

The Spain No.1 was discarded by Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu this season and though many expected him to reclaim his starting berth under Ancelotti, the Italian has instead opted to stick with Lopez – a decision he is happy to stand by.

He told reporters after the game: “Diego Lopez played the first game, he played the second. He’s playing well, nothing more.”

Monday’s victory was their second in as many league outings and Ancelotti reserved special praise for Benzema’s goalscoring start to the season after grinding out the three points.

“Benzema is playing well and scoring. He has started well in the league,” he added.

“The team was balanced. Luka Modric and Isco played well. Isco had to sacrifice a bit because he can attack more. The work of Di Maria was important.”

Madrid are next in action on Friday when they host Athletic Bilbao.

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