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La Liga: Carlo Ancelotti plays down talk of another period of Real Madrid dominance

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema celebrates with team-mates after scoring Real Madrid's third goal against Liverpool
Image: Real Madrid: Comfortable winners at Liverpool

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his side are in top form heading into Saturday's Clasico against Barcelona, but he played down talk of a new era of dominance for the club.

Wednesday's 3-0 win at Anfield - the European champions' first goals and maiden victory against the Reds - came as a result of a classy first-half performance and a comfortable second half when they were on cruise control.

It was apparent the players were holding back with one eye on this weekend's visit of Barcelona, and Ancelotti reckons his side head into that game against the Primera Division leaders full of confidence.

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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says his side’s 3-0 win at Anfield was their best performance so far this season.

"I think we are in really great form. Everyone is focused, we are all fit, in good condition," the Italian said.

"Barcelona are also going into the game in a good condition but we are where we want to be and playing well.

"We will put out a very competitive squad. We need to recover the best we can and do all we can as a squad to be ready for the game.

"But I think it is too soon to talk about a cycle. We enjoyed what happened and are fighting very hard to repeat our success of last season.

"We have a competitive squad and are playing well and have a huge desire to make that happen again."

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Watch Cristiano Ronaldo's neat finish against Liverpool on Wednesday night

Real have regularly been linked with Liverpool's precocious teenager Raheem Sterling, and Ancelotti admitted he was impressed with the 19-year-old.

"At the beginning, the position of Sterling - and (Mario) Balotelli - was really dangerous for us as they tried to break the line," he added.

"Sometimes they were really dangerous. After that, when we scored three goals, it was a difficult game and I think they didn't have the best performance.

"They were a little bit down, mentally, and for us it was a bit easier."

As thoughts turned to the Clasico, Cristiano Ronaldo played down his impending duel with Barca's Lionel Messi.

"It will be a difficult match because Barcelona are playing well," the Portugal forward said on Real's official website.

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"I'm not going to play against Messi - I'm going to play against Barcelona. They are a great team. Real Madrid and Barcelona are playing each other."

Ronaldo's goal against Liverpool, which was followed by two from Karim Benzema, took him to within one of equalling Raul's Champions League record of 71.

However, the former Manchester United man insisted the landmark was not his primary focus.

"I'm not worried about beating the record but I am very happy about the good job," he added.

"The best thing is that the team won and got three points. It was a perfect night.

"It is a very important victory. I had never won or scored here. I feel good.

"The record is not the important thing. The important thing is playing well, playing attractive football."

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