Xabi Alonso breathed a sigh of relief after the 3-0 victory against Athletic, emphasising the importance of breaking the deadlock in the domestic league.
Xabi Alonso, manager of Real Madrid, said after the resounding 3-0 victory against Athletic Club that the match at San Mames was “probably the most complete” performance from his team this season.
“It was an important match because we wanted to break the cycle of draws. We came with the necessary preparation and composure, and we delivered a very complete performance in a demanding stadium, at a crucial moment,” the manager explained in the post-match press conference.
Alonso highlighted the “performance” and “collective quality” displayed by his players at ‘La Catedral’ to “control the match” in a “very stable” manner. “After the draw in Girona, we knew it was an important moment. The schedule was very demanding, and we had to get through it,” he emphasised.
On an individual level, he highlighted the two “stunning goals” scored by Kylian Mbappe and his “very good connection” with Vinicius. “He is in a very good moment,” added the manager from Gipuzkoa. Regarding Thibaut Courtois’s performance, he noted that “it’s not news that he makes decisive saves”.
“He allowed us to maintain the lead and continue to grow in the match,” he said about the Belgian goalkeeper’s saves in the first half from shots by Gorka Guruzeta and Alex Berenguer, which prevented Athletic from equalising at that moment.
