Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed the performance of Karim Benzema after defeat at Manchester City.

Real lost 4-3 in the first-leg of their Champions League semifinal, with Benzema's double keeping them in the tie.

Ancelotti enthused: "Karim had a great match.

"He showed great personality to take the penalty. He shot it spectacularly. We never thought of changing shooters.

"Benzema trained this week. I didn't know if he was going to shoot left or right. He surprised me a bit."