Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was happy with his veterans after victory over Elche.
Ancelotti put Marcelo in from the start at left back and recalled Lucas Vazquez on the opposite side, insisting that it was a decision based on fitness rather than tactics.
"Substituting the full-backs was a purely physical decision," he said. "Both of them, especially Marcelo, in what was his first game back, did a brilliant job.
"He showed real quality and got forward well while showing their commitment defensively too. It was just a fitness thing.
"I wanted to bring on some fresh legs".
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