Xabi Alonso: “We must build on today’s positives for success”

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Alavés at the Mendizorrotza Stadium on Sunday, and manager Xabi Alonso expressed his pride in the team’s performance. In a post-match press conference, he emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on their game plan as they prepare for a demanding schedule of matches every three days. “This win is particularly meaningful given our current challenges with several players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions,” he remarked. Alonso also took a moment to celebrate the debut of Valdepeñas, praising his consistent performance on such an important occasion.

Reflecting on the match, Alonso noted that while the team started strong, they struggled to maintain control at times. “We took an early lead, but then we lost our grip on the game and didn’t finish the first half well. The second half began positively with chances created, but we conceded a goal due to a rare mistake by Valdepeñas,” he explained. Despite this setback, Alonso praised his squad’s resilience in battling for the win against a determined opponent. “That second goal was crucial for us to secure all three points, and we leave here very happy,” he added.

Reflections on Refereeing Decisions

When asked about a potential penalty call in favor of Real Madrid, Alonso chose to focus on the incident rather than criticize officiating. “It appeared to me that it was a clear penalty; Vini was quick and there was contact. I’m surprised there wasn’t even a VAR check,” he stated. He acknowledged that while such decisions can be frustrating, the team must move forward and concentrate on upcoming challenges.

Looking Ahead: Consistency is Key

Alonso also addressed perceptions of an improved team attitude following their previous performances. “The game against Celta wasn’t our best, but today highlighted some positives that we need to carry into future matches,” he said. He stressed the necessity for consistency in La Liga as they aim for continued success this season. “Every match has its unique challenges; we must learn from each experience and ensure we don’t repeat past mistakes,” he concluded.

As Real Madrid gears up for their next matches, including a Cup fixture followed by a home game against Sevilla, Alonso’s focus will remain on building upon today’s achievements while addressing areas for improvement. The coach’s commitment to unity within the squad will be vital as they pursue their goals in both domestic and European competitions.