Following a gritty 1-0 triumph over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Real Madrid‘s head coach Xabi Alonso highlighted the significant impact of Vinícius Júnior. Alonso remarked that the Brazilian winger’s contributions off the bench were as vital as when he starts. “We discussed it this morning; he can be just as important coming off the bench as he can be starting,” he stated, emphasizing Vinícius’s disruptive play that ultimately led to the decisive goal.
In a match characterized by interruptions and limited scoring opportunities, Real Madrid managed to secure three crucial points. The victory comes amid fitness concerns for key players David Alaba and Thibaut Courtois. On Courtois, Alonso expressed optimism, saying, “I think so,” while addressing Alaba’s situation. “He felt stiffness in his calf, and we didn’t want to take any risks. We’ll assess him further tomorrow.” This cautious approach reflects the team’s strategy to maintain player fitness as they navigate a demanding schedule.
Tactical Insights and Key Performers
Alonso also praised the performance of Arda Güler, who played a pivotal role in creating the match-winning goal. “We found the goal between the lines thanks to Mili’s pass and how he connected with Kylian,” Alonso explained. He acknowledged the difficulty of crafting chances in a match filled with stoppages, noting that Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in maintaining their lead despite late-game pressure from Getafe. “He did his job, and we’re leaving with three points, which is what we wanted,” Alonso added.
Reflecting on Team Dynamics
When asked about Real Madrid’s reliance on Kylian Mbappé, Alonso clarified, “I wouldn’t put it that way. We’re very happy with how he’s performing; he’s decisive with his goals and involvement.” However, he emphasized that contributions from other players are equally important in achieving success. Notably, Alonso highlighted the synergy between Federico Valverde and Rodrygo on the right flank, stating, “It’s not news; it’s just another possibility we’ve seen their quality.” This flexibility in tactics showcases Real Madrid’s depth and adaptability.
Alonso also commended Eduardo Camavinga for his strong performance, particularly in creating imbalance on the left side of the pitch. “We lacked a little in the final third but managed to get into good positions,” he noted. The coach reflected on the challenges posed by Getafe’s defensive setup and underscored that they need to improve their marking despite having numerical superiority during certain phases of play.
The week ahead looks promising for Real Madrid as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. “It was a very demanding match; coming to Getafe is never easy,” Alonso remarked. He stressed the importance of hard work and focus even when matches are not visually appealing. As they move forward, Alonso remains optimistic about building on this momentum as they aim to face Juventus next week.
In closing, Alonso expressed his thoughts on Güler and Bellingham‘s versatility within the squad: “Both can play in various positions effectively. Güler has that quality when you need more footwork at the base or in link-up play.” With such dynamic options at his disposal, Alonso is keen to foster partnerships across both midfield and attacking roles as Real Madrid continues its pursuit of excellence.
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