Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has responded to claims that Karim Benzema was angry with him after being substituted against Chelsea.
The Ballon d'Or winner was hauled off after 71 minutes in the second leg with Los Blancos leading 1-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.
Read: Benzema Agrees To 'Last Season' At Real Madrid
The French forward did not look pleased with Ancelotti's decision to withdraw him after his frustrating evening, but the coach insists he wanted to give the striker some rest.
"Karim is fine, he had this knock and I took him off him because when I think the game is over I think about giving him a little more rest like Kroos and Modric," Ancelotti said, as per Football Espana.
The Italian tactician also revealed that he spoke with Benzema personally this week.
"The important thing is to explain it, I have spoken with him that if I can take minutes from him I will do it," he added.
"It didn't make sense for him to continue with that little problem and the game decided. He understood it perfectly."
Los Blancos currently sit 11 points behind LaLiga leaders FC Barcelona heading into Saturday's encounter against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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