Real Madrid clinched a narrow 1-0 victory against Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez last night, a match that could easily have ended in a stalemate, especially following two late red cards shown to the home side.
Los Blancos faced challenges breaking through Getafe’s robust defense, a situation intensified by their tight defensive setup and low block.
Kylian Mbappe’s decisive goal in the 80th minute ultimately separated the two teams, allowing Los Blancos to regain the top spot in La Liga just in time for the upcoming weekend’s Clásico.
Alonso’s Press Conference
Following the demanding match, Real Madrid’s manager Xabi Alonso acknowledged that the game was more complex than anticipated and commended his players for their resilience.
“It was a tough and demanding match. We had to know how to compete and prepare for what wasn’t going to be the most appealing game,” he stated.
“The team rose to the occasion, maintaining focus and executing their roles effectively. We’re heading into next week with positive energy,” he added.
Alonso highlighted Vinicius Jr.’s impact after he came on in the 55th minute, saying, “Vini Jr. made a significant impact. We discussed earlier how he could influence the game whether he started or came in later. He caused problems for the opposition and drew fouls.”
“It’s vital for every player to understand that they can contribute significantly, no matter their role, and today Vini Jr. was instrumental,” he continued.
Although Real Madrid’s lead was momentary, the match-winning goal from Kylian Mbappe marked another highlight in his impressive season.
“We are very pleased with Kylian’s performance. His goals and involvement have been crucial,” Alonso remarked.
“Goals earn points, but we rely on every player, as there’s a lot happening behind the scenes,” he added.
Arda Guler, who started on the bench, made a noticeable difference after coming on in the second half, showcasing his creativity. Alonso praised the young Turkish talent for his effective contribution.
“Arda also had a good impact. We utilized him well between the lines, where he linked up effectively with Kylian. The goal was crucial, especially given the saves made, and it wasn’t easy,” he commented.
“Arda and Bellingham can both operate in various positions. They have distinct styles and can alternate effectively; when Arda turns and makes a pass into the attacking line, he is impactful,” he elaborated regarding the competition between Guler and Bellingham.
Alonso also addressed the conditions of Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba, both of whom showed signs of discomfort during the match.
“I believe Courtois is fine, while Alaba experienced some tightness in his calf, and we opted not to take risks. We’ll evaluate him further tomorrow,” he said.
Reflecting on Eduardo Camavinga’s performance in his first start after returning from injury, Alonso remarked, “I was impressed with him; in the first half, we exploited mismatches on the left flank. We needed more in the final third.”
“On such a pitch, it’s crucial to be prepared for second balls, and the opposition only posed a threat from set pieces. He delivered a well-rounded performance,” he added.
Despite facing a numerical disadvantage, Getafe created a significant chance late in the game, and only a spectacular save from Courtois ensured Real Madrid emerged with all three points.
“Those situations should not arise against a nine-man team. We failed to close down effectively and did not mark well. Courtois was vital at the end,” the manager commented on that scenario.
“He did his job, and we’re leaving with three points, which was our main goal. That chapter is closed now; I’ve got my three points, and tomorrow, I’ll start thinking about our next match,” he concluded.
Looking ahead to a busy week, including El Clasico just days away and a midweek clash with Juventus, Alonso stated, “I’m focused on today’s challenging match. We had to dig deep. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but starting tomorrow, our focus shifts to Juve.”
Source: Real Madrid website