Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed his “extraordinary” players after they set a Spanish record with their 19th consecutive victory after routing Ludogorets Razgrad 4-0 at home in their UEFA Champions League Group B clash on Tuesday.
Real surpassed the previous record they held jointly with Barcelona, who won 18 matches in a row in all competitions between October 2005 and January 2006.
European champions Real last failed to win when they were humbled 2-1 at home by city rivals Atletico Madrid in a La Liga game in September.
“I have an extraordinary group [of players] and I never tire of saying it,” Ancelotti told a news conference after the match at a festive Santiago Bernabeu.
“I could not imagine winning 19 games in a row after the defeat to Atletico,” added the Italian, who led Real to a record-extending 10th European crown in the 2013-2014 season, his first in charge. “I knew we would fix what had not gone well, but not in this way.”
Brazilian side Coritiba hold the overall record for most consecutive wins in all competitions, according to Guinness World Records.
The South American club won 24 straight games between February and May 2011 spread between the Paranaense State Championship and the Brazilian Cup.
Real’s 19 wins have come in La Liga (11), the Champions League (six) and the Copa del Rey (two).
Their latest exploits will fuel expectations the club is set to extend and improve Ancelotti’s contract, which runs until the end of next season.
“I have felt a lot of affection from the club and everything is going well, and we have to fight to prolong the moment,” Ancelotti said.
“I have a lot of affection for the players and I thank them whenever I can,” added the 55-year-old, a Champions League winner with AC Milan as both player and coach.
Barca hold the record for the most La Liga wins in a row of 16 set under Pep Guardiola in the 2010-2011 season.
Liga leaders Real can make it 12 straight victories in Spain’s top flight when they play at Almeria UD tomorrow before heading to the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.
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