Eden Hazard’s goal against Celtic in the Champions League was scored after 33 passes but Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been quick to insist that isn’t Real Madrid’s identity.

According to Ancelotti, possession football is no longer fashionable as stats have shown it is easier to score in under ten passes.

Ancelotti told reporters: “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.”