After Real Madrid’s hard-fought victory, coach Xabi Alonso shared his honest thoughts about the match, the team’s performance, and the contributions of key players such as Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde.
It was not a perfect game by any means, but Alonso viewed it as an important step forward — a sign of progress as the team continues to adapt to his style and a demanding schedule.
A Work in Progress
Reflecting on the overall performance, Alonso acknowledged that the match was far from flawless but emphasized the value of the result.
“The match was a work in progress,” he began. “In the first half we lacked a bit of speed in the combination, although when we got ahead we were able to create chances. A serious and important victory in everything. Now we move on.”
Alonso admitted that the team struggled to find rhythm early on. The players seemed cautious in possession and were not moving the ball quickly enough to unsettle their opponents. Still, once Madrid managed to take the lead, they created several good chances and controlled the tempo more effectively.
“We weren’t fluid in the first half,” he added, “but I told them at half-time that we were doing a lot of things well and that the opponent was ready to counter-attack if we lost the ball. We lacked a bit more dynamism against a very well-prepared team like Marcelino’s, and that’s why they are right where they are.”
This shows Alonso’s appreciation for Villarreal’s organization and discipline. He recognized that their coach, Marcelino García Toral, had prepared his side to defend smartly and exploit counterattacks — something Real had to be patient and careful about.
Praise for Vinícius Júnior
One of the biggest positives for Real Madrid was the performance of Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian forward looked lively throughout the game and made a decisive impact by scoring the opening goal.
“He played a very good game and had a decisive performance, not only because of the first goal but also because of the imbalance we were gaining with him,” Alonso said. “I like to see him smiling and enjoying the game. He was close to scoring a hat-trick and completing his performance.”
Vinícius’ speed, skill, and energy gave Madrid a constant attacking threat. He repeatedly stretched Villarreal’s defense and created opportunities for his teammates. Alonso highlighted not just his goals but also his confidence and happiness on the field — something he believes is essential for Vini’s best form.
“I’m happy for him and for the team because we need everyone and we wanted to end this block with a win today,” Alonso continued. “He also played a great game against Levante. He is a very important player for the team and the club because of his ability to upset the balance, because of what he creates and the difficulties he causes for the opponent.”
Alonso’s remarks underline how crucial Vinícius is to Real Madrid’s system. His unpredictability and creativity make him one of the few players capable of breaking defensive structures almost single-handedly.
Bellingham’s Road to Full Fitness
When asked about Jude Bellingham’s situation, Alonso showed patience and optimism. The English midfielder has been gradually returning to full fitness after missing much of the pre-season due to shoulder surgery.
“After returning, with two extra weeks of training, he will be better day by day and will be important for the October phase,” Alonso said. “We have that time now because he missed most of the preparation. We have an intense calendar ahead of us – Getafe, Juve, Barcelona…”
Alonso made it clear that Real Madrid will handle Bellingham carefully. The young star remains central to his plans, but the focus is on helping him recover completely before reintroducing him into a heavy run of matches.
The Penalty Takers
The coach was also asked about the team’s penalty kick responsibilities. While several players are capable of taking them, Alonso confirmed that the first-choice taker remains Kylian Mbappé.
“They made the decision, but the main executor is still Kylian,” he said. “He has a very good success rate.”
This statement reinforces the trust placed in Mbappé’s leadership and composure under pressure. His consistency from the spot continues to make him the natural choice for such crucial moments.
Mbappé and Mastantuono’s Fitness Concerns
Questions were also raised about the physical condition of Kylian Mbappé and Franco Mastantuono, both of whom have been managing minor injuries ahead of the international break.
“We can’t say they won’t go,” Alonso clarified. “They’ll have to assess their situation there and we hope it doesn’t get worse. They have minor difficulties and I can’t say more about that.”
Alonso’s response suggested a cautious optimism — neither player’s issue appears serious, but he hopes that their respective national teams will handle them responsibly.
Valverde’s Excellent Performance in Defense
Another highlight of the night was Fede Valverde’s strong display, this time playing on the right side of defense. Despite being naturally a midfielder, Valverde has often stepped into unfamiliar roles for the good of the team.
“A very good match,” Alonso praised. “He is always ready to play where he is needed and he played an excellent duel both defensively and offensively. A great performance and helped the team a lot.”
The coach went on to emphasize Valverde’s selflessness and commitment. “We all saw him play — he had a great game. He played in that position because of the needs we have, and he’s always very selfless towards the team. He’s very willing and likes to feel useful. That’s what we need, and he never turns anything down.”
Valverde’s adaptability continues to make him one of the most valuable players in Madrid’s squad. His pace, stamina, and tactical intelligence allow him to contribute effectively in multiple roles.
Respect for Villarreal and the Referee
Finally, Alonso was asked about Villarreal’s dissatisfaction with some of the referee’s decisions. In his typically calm manner, he avoided controversy.
“If Marcelino didn’t rate it, neither will we,” he said simply.
This respectful response reflects Alonso’s composure and his desire to keep the focus on football rather than officiating.
Moving Forward
Real Madrid’s performance may not have been perfect, but it was a crucial victory that showed resilience and teamwork. Alonso’s analysis reveals a balanced perspective — he sees the areas that need improvement but also recognizes the positives that can drive the team forward.
With players like Vinícius in top form, Bellingham on the way back, Valverde proving his versatility, and Mbappé leading from the front, Real Madrid looks well-equipped for the challenging fixtures ahead.
As Alonso put it, “A serious and important victory in everything. Now we move on.”
