Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti defended his rotation policy and called for continued fan support following his side’s 9-1 demolition of Granada earlier today.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals, including a first-half hat-trick. Striker Karim Benzema added a brace of his own and Gareth Bale added another as Real Madrid bounced back from their El Clasico defeat in resounding fashion at home.

Over the course of the season, Ancelotti has had his rotation policy questioned by fans and the media. The Italian boss has been reluctant to utilize his bench leaving many to question whether or not his players were being overworked.

Following a string of key injuries to Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, Sergio Ramos and Pepe, the team’s form dipped from December to March allowing Barcelona to overtake them in the La Liga standings.

During this poor stretch, the team has been whistled and jeered at home, and even had some players attacked and verbally abused by disgruntled fans following their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona.

However, today, for the first time in a long time, Madrid were near 100% fitness as James Rodriguez returned to the starting eleven after his two-month absence. The only omission from Ancelotti’s normal lineup was Pepe, who is still nursing a muscle injury and will likely miss the next two games.

Speaking after the win, Ancelotti defended his rotation policy and asked for continued support from the Bernabeu faithful.

“At the moment the team is fresh,” the manager said. “There’s no point in resting just for the sake of resting. I’ll rotate when the players are tired or there is a risk of injury.

“The team is fresh and we showed that. We started with good tempo and we scored a lot of goals. We’re happy with the performance but it’s only one game and we have to concentrate on Wednesday now to be the same as we were today.

“It’s clear that playing like this we can win the league. When the fans are behind us as they were today that will help us. The players have showed good attitude and the crowd appreciated it.”

Real Madrid’s next match will be on Wednesday against Rayo Vallecano, as they look to close the gap on first place Barcelona on the La Liga table.