Real Madrid coach Pellegrini: We're ahead of schedule

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini insists he's satisfied with their progress after derby success over Atletico.

Real had to survive a late comeback from the hosts after Sergio Ramos' dismissal, but Pellegrini left the Vicente Calderon satisfied.

He explained: "The team is assimilating itself to new gameplay mechanics. It would have been easier not to have made changes, but we wanted to change. We have much to improve, but the results have been good."

"I am very satisfied, very happy, it is normal to have ups and downs. We are making progress and I hope to continue like that. We had to have consistency and conviction in what you do from the start."

"Real Madrid have to try something different. There is much to improve."

On their season so far, Pellegrini insists they're in a good position.

He said: "I am happy with the start of the season, seven wins. We did not expect so many points at this stage. The Champions League is well underway and we hope that it is not difficult."

"The worst thing is the Copa, but we will try to overturn that result."