Carlo Ancelotti has leapt to the defence of Javier Hernandez for his performance in Real Madrid's 2-1 win away to Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League last night.

Hernandez was handed his first start for the Blancos but failed to repay Ancelotti's faith in him on the night as the Mexico international spurned a host of goalscoring chances.

Karim Benzema replaced the misfiring striker and netted the winner on 77 minutes, but the Italian coach claims that the Manchester United loanee can be proud of his overall display.

"I wanted to rest Karim, who has played a lot so far," Ancelotti told reporters. "Chicharito had a good game; he did not score but his performance was good."

The 26-year-old has scored twice for the Spanish giants since sealing a season-long loan to the Santiago Bernabeu.