Two late red cards for Getafe helped Real Madrid secure a 1-0 win at Coliseum Alfonso Perez last night in a game that quite easily could have ended in a draw.
Los Blancos struggled to break through the hosts’ rearguard, and unsurprisingly so given the tight defensive lines and low block.
Kylian Mbappe’s goal in the 80th minute, however, proved to be the difference between the two teams as Los Blancos reclaimed the pole position in La Liga ahead of the weekend’s Clásico.
Alonso’s press conference
Speaking to the media after the gruelling fixture, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso admitted that the game turned out to be far more complicated than they had hoped for and praised his team for overcoming the hurdle.
“It was a tough, demanding match. You have to know how to compete and be prepared for a match that wasn’t going to be the most attractive.”
“The team fronted up and knew their jobs. We were focused and did what we had to do. We’re going into next week with good energy,” he added.
Speaking on how Vinicius Jr. had a big role to play on the night after coming on in the 55th minute, Alonso said,
“Vini Jr. had a big impact. We talked this morning about how he could be important from the start or later on. He caused problems for the opposition and drew cards from them.”
“It’s important for everyone to know that they can be important whatever their role, and today Vini Jr. was important,” he added.
While Real Madrid did not take the lead for long, the match-winning strike eventually came from the usual suspect – Kylian Mbappe – who continues his stunning season in front of goal.
“We’re very pleased with how Kylian is doing. He’s been decisive with his goals and his involvement.”
“Goals give you points, but we need everyone because a lot is going on in the background,” he added.
Arda Guler started on the bench on the night but came on past the hour mark and went on to make a tangible difference in terms of creativity. The manager praised the young Turkish star for his cameo.
“Arda also had a good impact. We found him between the lines and he found Kylian well there. The goal was crucial because there were saves, and it was difficult.”
“Arda and Bellingham can play in both positions. They have different profiles. They can alternate and when Arda turns and makes a pass in the second line, he is decisive,” he added on the battle between Guler and Bellingham.
The manager also provided an update on the situations of Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba who both showed signs of discomfort during the game.
“I think Courtois is fine and Alaba’s calf was tightening up and we didn’t want to take any risks. We’ll assess him further tomorrow.”
Giving his two cents on Eduardo Camavinga’s performance against Getafe given that it was his first start for the club after coming back from injury, the coach said,
“I really liked him and in the first half, we created the mismatch on the left wing. We needed more in the final third.”
“On this pitch, you have to adjust well to the second ball, and they only created danger from set pieces. He gave a very complete performance,” he added.
Despite being inflicted with a numerical inferiority, Getafe churned up a massive chance in the dying minutes of the game and only a Courtois special save saw Real Madrid retain three points.
“These are situations that shouldn’t happen with nine men. We didn’t close down well and we didn’t adjust our marking. Courtois was crucial at the end,” the manager said on the situation.
“He did his job and we’re leaving with three points, which is what we wanted. It’s over now, I’ve got three points and tomorrow I’ll start thinking about the next game,” he added.
Finally, Alonso spoke on the massive week coming up, especially with El Clasico just a week away and Juventus midweek.
“I’m still thinking about today’s intense match. We had to roll up our sleeves. It wasn’t the most beautiful game to play or watch, but from tomorrow we’ll start thinking about Juve.”
Source: Real Madrid website
