Real Madrid ended their winless streak with a 3-0 convincing victory over Athletic Club at San Mamés on Wednesday evening, as coach Xabi Alonso dismissed questions about recent controversies and insisted that, “today is about today, and that’s the most important thing. The team’s performance, the collective quality they showed and then how we managed the game, which was very stable, is what I’ll take away from this. We take each game as it comes. Today we came here after the draw in Girona, we knew it was an important moment and after getting the result, from tomorrow we’ll start thinking about Sunday’s game against Celta. The schedule is very demanding and doesn’t allow you to dwell on things too much, both in good times and in not-so-good times.”
“It was an important match. Obviously, we wanted to break the dynamic a little, but we came in with the necessary calm, with the necessary preparation, and I think the team played a very complete match. We were very focused for the entire 90 minutes, conceding very little. We played very well in the first half, created many chances, and it was probably the most complete match we’ve played in a demanding stadium at an important moment. We took it calmly, and now we have to keep going.”
Xabi Alonso on Mbappé‘s form and the team’s attitude
“Yes, Kylian is in very good form. Today he scored two goals again, two great goals, and then the mobility they had, the connection with Vinicius was very good. The team came out from the first minute to play, to win the match, with good concentration, good intensity, very good rhythm, and we took control of the match in the first half. In the second half, we didn’t have as much possession, but we continued to be in control, and it was an important moment after three away draws to win away again, and on Sunday we return home.”
Xabi Alonso on Courtois’ saves
“Yes, it’s no surprise that Thibaut made decisive saves, and at that moment it allowed us to maintain our lead and continue to grow in the match.”
Xabi Alonso on Camavinga and Arda Güler’s substitutions
“No, it’s not entirely compatible. Arda had played three consecutive matches, Eduardo played in the starting line-up. There are a lot of matches, we’re playing every three days, so it’s just a technical decision for today’s match.”