MADRID (AP) Real Madrid coach Carlos Ancelotti is under no illusions as to why the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium hasn't exactly been applauding him this season.
"Because of the play of the team," Ancelotti says, "but we're going to keep getting better."
Madrid trails Spanish leader Barcelona by six points going into Saturday's game against Real Sociedad but is unbeaten in three games thanks in part to Gareth Bale settling into a productive partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The trio has combined for all 12 goals in the current run.
Ancelotti says Sociedad's visit "is a good test because we need to play a good game" before the international break.
The Italian coach says goalkeeper Diego Lopez will remain the league starter ahead of Champions League regular Iker Casillas.
