Carlo Ancelotti reveals the changes he made at half-time which helped Real Madrid win the Champions League... as retiring Toni Kroos hails their 'crazy mentality'

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the changes he made at half-time which inspired Real Madrid to victory in the Champions League final. 

Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr struck in the second half to secure victory over brave Borussia Dortmund as Real won their sixth title in 11 years, although the night was marred by 50 police arrests - a number that included a number of pitch invaders and others trying to force their way into stadium.

Real boss Ancelotti has now won five Champions League trophies as a manager, while retiring Kroos has lifted six during his time at Los Blancos.

After the final whistle, Ancelotti said: ‘It was a difficult game as usual, they played better in the first half and us better in the second. But finals are like this. In the first half we were a bit slack, we kept losing the ball and allowed them to play exactly as they wanted.

‘But those are now just mistakes from the past. I made a few changes at half time, pushing Vini Jr more forward and higher up. And in the second half we were much better and had a far greater balance to our game.

When asked about his five European victories, he added: ‘You just never get used to this feeling of winning big games and big finals but I have to say it was very difficult out there. Much harder than I expected.’

On Ancelotti’s managerial record, Jose Mourinho, who has won the trophy twice, hailed his colleague saying: ‘He's not a social media coach, he's a proper coach from meritocracy. Go to his office and see how many medals.’

Toni Kroos played his last game for Real last night ahead of his decision to retire from professional football after Euro 2024.

Ancelotti shared special moments with the midfielder after the final whistle, while Kroos air lifted by his team-mates as they celebrated on the pitch.

‘It’s a bit sad but this is how he wanted to end his career and I have to respect that,’ said Ancelotti.

Kroos himself added: 'It could be worse! This was the plan, but it’s difficult to plan this. But it seems, in these games, we are not able to lose.

'We don’t lost lose finals. The quality is there but the mentality is crazy. The belief is there and that separates this club from the others.

‘Six Champions League titles, something I never thought would happen.'

Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic said: ‘We faced a true champion today and congratulations to them, the momentum of the game turned in the second half. The quality of the opponents are incredible but it was even, even up to the last 20 minutes.

‘But we will learn and analyse from this game.’