Ancelotti saw his team respond to their defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the persistence of Salomon Kalou after he scored twice in the 4-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
Kalou replaced the suspended Didier Drogba and missed a great chance before finally breaking the deadlock.
"Kalou is an important player for us because when we are without Drogba he can play and do well," said Ancelotti.
"He made a big mistake at the start, but he maintained good motivation and focus to score twice after that."
Kalou's early opportunity came after Deco and Michael Ballack cut open the Atletico defence but the Ivory Coast striker shot wide from 14 yards.
He finally opened the scoring when he converted a drilled cross from Ashley Cole and added Chelsea's second with a header after the restart.
Chelsea in control - Ancelloti
"Kalou is a very good player," added Ancelotti.
"For him, it was very important to score. Also for us. He played very well for us."
It was Kalou's first appearance since the 1-0 win at Apoel Nicosia on 30 September and the striker admitted that his brace would help to boost his self-belief.
"After not playing a couple of games, to come back into the team it was important for me to get confidence back by scoring," said Kalou.
"It was very important to win that game because it gave us nine points. It's good to get confidence back by winning and everyone gave his best and we have the result in the end."
A long-range strike from Frank Lampard and a stoppage-time own goal completed the scoring.
It was Lampard's first goal for Chelsea since 18 August and took his tally for the club to 133, one more than Jimmy Greaves.
"I'm happy for Lampard, for sure," added Ancelotti.
"I think that Lampard is not only important scoring goals. He's important because he works for 90 minutes on the pitch for the team.
"He's very generous, an unselfish player, and for me that's important. Yes, if he scores it's better, but I want to speak about Lampard for his work, not just for his goals."
Chelsea have now won all three of their group games and are on the cusp of qualification for the knock-out stage.
"We are in control now of this group, but our aim is to arrive in first place," said Ancelotti.
"We have to secure more points in the group. It's not been easy without suspended Didier Drogba, but all the players have done very well in this competition so far."
The victory came days after the Blues lost at Aston Villa and the Italian concluded: "We had a very good reaction and played very well.
"We played well for 90 minutes without problems. I am happy.
The result heaps the pressure on Atletico Madrid coach Abel Resino, whose team have one point from three group games and are struggling in La Liga.
"It's one of those bitter tastes of football," said Resino after the defeat.
"Over the game I would say we had as many clear chances as Chelsea but the ball just wouldn't go into the net.
"But I am a fighter. I am not going to throw the towel in. With one result the confidence will begin to change."
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