Xabi Alonso: “The goal was to advance, and I’m satisfied

After a hard-fought victory against CF Talavera, Real Madrid‘s coach Xabi Alonso expressed optimism while keeping his focus on the next challenge. This Saturday, Los Blancos will host Sevilla FC in La Liga, where they will need to tighten their defensive performance to secure all three points. Alonso emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and praised both Kylian Mbappé’s impact on the match and the competitive spirit of Talavera.

Alonso reflected on the match against Talavera, noting, “These things happen in cup competitions. It’s not just us; other teams experience similar challenges. Even with a 3-1 lead, we conceded a free kick that allowed them to apply pressure.” He acknowledged that while Madrid controlled much of the first half, failing to score a third goal left the match open until the end.

On Mbappé’s performance, which included two crucial goals, he remarked, “He was decisive with his two goals and his third was pivotal. That’s why we kept him on the pitch.” The coach also commented on the second half, stating it was fiercely contested. “We aimed for a third goal but couldn’t find it. It was a tough cup match, but we achieved our objective.”

Looking ahead, Alonso stated, “Our next target is Sevilla. We need those three points as we prepare for a short break to refine our consistency and maintain performance levels.” He highlighted the necessity for more continuity in their play and better game management as key areas for improvement.

In terms of player performances, Alonso was pleased with the contributions from younger players like Joan and Thiago from Castilla. He noted David’s solid 90 minutes and praised Jorge as an emerging talent close to making an impact. “Mastantuono was very active and played well in tight spaces,” he added.

Regarding dependency on Mbappé, Alonso clarified, “Statistics are statistics; Rodrygo played an important role as well. We need all our players to be effective.” He recognized Talavera’s competitive nature during the match, commending their pride and tenacity.

As Real Madrid prepares for Sevilla, fans are left wondering if they can build on their cup success and continue their pursuit of La Liga glory.