Xabi Alonso Calls for Lessons After Painful Defeat

Real Madrid’s coach, Xabi Alonso, urged his players to reflect on their 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, a defeat he termed both painful and deserved.

The recent match marked Real Madrid’s first loss in the LaLiga season and the first time in 75 years that their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, managed to score five goals against them.

Acknowledging the Performance

Speaking to the media after the match, Alonso recognized that his team did not meet their usual performance standards.

“Our start was poor, but this is something we must learn from. It’s a loss we must accept… we were missing something crucial. It’s a hurtful defeat,” he stated.

Finding Positivity in Setbacks

Despite the disappointing outcome, Alonso believes that this experience could ultimately benefit the team.

“It may indeed serve us well in the long run. We were not strong in one-on-one situations and were too passive. The game lacked flow. Overall, it was a poor match and we deserved to lose,” he noted.

He added, “The core issue was our performance, which failed to meet our own standards. This should sting, but we must channel this pain constructively.”

“We lacked the necessary intensity and concentration. We had a plan, but we need to analyze it thoroughly. We failed to compete at the level expected against such rivals, and it’s imperative we elevate our game,” he emphasized.

Reflections on Frustration

When asked about the most frustrating aspects of the match, Alonso remarked, “It was evident that we weren’t at our best, and we struggled with maintaining rhythm and intensity.”

In his message to the fans, Alonso, who assumed his role at Real Madrid in May following Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as the coach of Brazil’s national team, called for patience and endurance.

“In the journey of progress and improvement, there will be challenging days. It’s how we respond that truly matters. We are still in a growth stage,” he concluded.

LaLiga Standings Update

Following the match, Real Madrid retains the top position in the LaLiga standings with 18 points, holding a two-point lead over Barcelona, who still have a match to play. Atletico Madrid rises to fourth place with 12 points after their emphatic victory.

For more insights on the match, click here.