Xabi Alonso lauds ‘most complete performance’ of Real Madrid’s season

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was able to let off some steam in Los Blancos’ win over Athletic Club, as they cruised to victory at San Mames. After three Liga games without winning away from home, Los Blancos looked improved in Bilbao, hence Alonso’s satisfaction after the match.

Star man Kylian Mbappe gave Real Madrid the perfect start seven minutes in with a thumping effort to beat Unai Simon, putting them firmly in control. By the hour-mark, Alonso’s side were three goals to good and in firm control, having attacked incisively and at a high tempo, in arguably their best performance under Alonso. Motives for further satisfaction were the showings from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham.

“It was an important match,” Alonso noted in his press conference after the match.

“We wanted to break the run. We came in with the necessary preparation and composure. The team played a very complete match. It’s the most complete performance we’ve had, and in a demanding stadium, no less. Now we have to keep going.”

‘The team went out to win from the first minute’ – Alonso

Even if Real Madrid showed a different side of themselves, it was the same supernatural Mbappe who set the platform for their win.

“Kylian is in great form, mobile and with a great connection with Vini. The team came out determined to win from the first minute. It was an important moment to get back to winning ways away from home, and on Sunday we’re back playing at home.”

“It’s no surprise that he makes crucial saves,” Alonso explained on Thibaut Courtois’ magnificent stop in the first half, anoteher constant for Los Blancos. “He’s allowed us to maintain our lead and continue in the game.”

Alonso takes focus off dressing room atmosphere

Before the match, Alonso was under pressure, as talk continued about his relationship with the dressing room. The Real Madrid manager was asked again about the significance of the conversations he held in Athens before their clash with Olympiakos.

“Today is what matters, and that’s what’s most important. The team’s performance, the collective quality, how we controlled the game. It was very consistent. After the draw in Girona, it was an important moment, and now we have to think about Celta. The schedule is so demanding that it doesn’t allow for any further dwelling.”

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‘Guler and Bellingham are compatible’

Before the match, Alonso was asked whether Arda Guler and Bellingham were able to coexist effectively in midfield, to which he replied in the affirmative. Yet the Turkish starlet found himself on the bench in Bilbao.

“Of course he’s compatible with Jude. He’d played three games in a row and we play every three days. It was a decision just for today’s game.”

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