Xabi Alonso: “Our Goal Was to Advance, Mission Accomplished

Following Real Madrid‘s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Talavera, coach Xabi Alonso addressed the media, reflecting on a match that tested his team’s resilience. The Copa del Rey encounter was anything but straightforward, as Madrid faced a late scare after leading comfortably. “Such things happen in the cup,” Alonso remarked. “We’ve seen it happen to other teams. Even after going up 3-1, conceding that free kick leading to their second goal made it tense. We controlled the first half well, but failing to convert our chances left the door open for them.”

Alonso also acknowledged the impact of Kylian Mbappé, who showcased his scoring prowess throughout the match. “He was decisive with his goals; he always has that innate ability to find the net,” he noted. However, the final minutes proved challenging for Madrid as they sought a third goal to secure their lead. “We aimed to score again, but it wasn’t possible. It was an exciting Copa match nonetheless. We achieved our objective, and now we look ahead.”

Reflecting on Performance and Future Goals

When asked about his satisfaction with the team’s performance, Alonso stated, “Our goal was to advance, and we did just that. I leave feeling satisfied and happy. However, we need more consistency and continuity in our performances during matches. We must not fall into the trap of thinking that nothing can happen because surprises can occur; maturity is key.”

Looking Ahead: Focus on Upcoming Matches

As he shifts focus to future challenges, Alonso emphasized the importance of their next fixture against Sevilla. “Now our only target is Sevilla. We need those three points and good vibes moving forward before taking a break to work on our improvements,” he said. His confidence in players like David Jiménez and Jorge Cestero was evident as he praised their performances and potential development.

With this victory, Real Madrid moves confidently into the next round of the Copa del Rey, but challenges lie ahead as they prepare for crucial league matches. Can they maintain this momentum? The coming weeks will be critical for Alonso’s squad as they strive for success on multiple fronts.