XABI ALONSO HAILS VINíCIUS’ VERSATILITY STARTING OR COMING OFF BENCH
Xabi Alonso hails Vinícius Jr's game-changing impact off the bench in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Getafe. The coach also praised Courtois's crucial late save and Mbappé's decisive match-winning goal.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said, "Vinícius had a significant impact," following his team's tense 1-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. He might be just as significant coming off the bench as he is starting, according to our conversation this morning. And that is what happened. He was unruly, pushing cards, and we took the initiative after that. Everyone understanding that they can play a significant part is ultimately what it is all about.
Xabi Alonso on Thibaut Courtois's and David Alaba's fitness issues
"Courtois, I believe so. Alaba sensed... His calf was becoming stiff, but it was not an injury, and we did not want to take any chances. Tomorrow, we will evaluate him in more detail.
Xabi Alonso on the late save by Thibaut Courtois and Arda Güler
"Arda also made a significant contribution: we were able to decipher the goal." Mili's pass came first, followed by how he located Kylian. The goal was important because it was hard to establish a rhythm and create chances in this game. Numerous disruptions occurred, which usually make things challenging. Thibaut was important, but considering the way the game was going, we should not have handed up that opportunity. However, we are leaving with the three points, which is what we wanted, and he did his job.
Xabi Alonso on whether the late chance worries him
"No, I am not as concerned about it now that it is over. However, at the moment, as I already stated, when you are up against nine men, these kinds of scenarios should not occur. Despite having two more players, we failed to close down, lost the second ball, and failed to modify our marking. However, it is now over. And I have three points here.
Xabi Alonso on whether Kylian Mbappé is necessary for Real Madrid
"That is not how I would phrase it. However, we are quite pleased with his progress. He makes snap decisions about his involvement and aspirations. But the others also assist him. You get points for goals, but there is much more to it than that. I will not say it to the person who wrote the headline.
Valverde and Rodrygo together on the right, with Xabi Alonso
It is merely another possibility, not news, in my opinion. Because of their quality, we have seen what they can provide.
On Eduardo Camavinga, Xabi Alonso
"I thought he was great. We caused an imbalance in the first half, particularly on the left wing. Camavinga, Rodrygo, and Carreras found room behind Mario. Although we got into those positions successfully, we lacked a bit in the latter third. They play a lot from there; thus, you need to be very good at adjusting your second plays on this pitch. That is what we did. They essentially only produced opportunities from crosses and set pieces. Camavinga was excellent. An extremely comprehensive performance.
Xabi Alonso's outlook for the coming week
It was a challenging match. It is never simple to get to Getafe; you have to be able to compete. You must be ready to not be the most attractive person at the match. However, the group got up and put forth a lot of effort. In the first half, we had several opportunities to take the lead. Even though the match was not particularly appealing, we still had a good time. We remained focused and completed the tasks at hand. And we have positive vibes heading into next week.
Xabi Alonso on Bellingham and Güler
Both are capable of playing both attacking midfield and midfield. Jude went farther below, and Arda switched places. We have diverse profiles: Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde, Ceballos (when he can play in the center), etc. Güler does, however, possess that trait when you need a bit of extra footwork in the link-up or at the base. We can switch places. However, he finds Vinícius and Mbappé well when he turns and makes the last pass. He is also taking serious action. Both in the center and on the wings, we must support the alliances we seek. And we must do it with the players we have.
Regarding his emotions, Xabi Alonso
"I am still processing the game from today. It was hardly the most spectacular encounter, but it was tense enough that we had to roll up our sleeves and were ready for it. And that is what happened. It was not really lovely to watch or play. However, starting tomorrow, Juventus will be on our minds.
WHY DID REAL MADRID SELL VICTOR MUNOZ FOR €5M ONLY TO RETURN?
Discover how Real Madrid beat Barcelona to Victor Munoz while securing Nico Paz from Como for just €9 million.
Real Madrid is planning to strengthen their squad next summer by targeting several cost-effective signings, aiming to refresh a team that’s showing signs of age. The new manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, has injected new energy, working alongside Thiago Pitarch, Manuel Angel, and Cesar Palacios. Still, the club is also focused on recalling some players he previously managed.
One of the more talked-about returns involves Como’s playmaker, Nico Paz. Real Madrid is set to activate a €9 million buyback clause this summer, bringing Paz back after he impressed in Italy. The Argentine, who was named Serie A’s Young Player of the Year last season, has developed into one of Europe’s promising talents.
Besides Paz, Los Blancos are keen on re-signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna. According to Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Madrid plans to bring the 22-year-old back this summer. Munoz left the club last year for €5 million, but the team holds an €8 million buyback option. There had been rumours of Barcelona showing interest, especially since Munoz spent time in La Masia, but it looks like Madrid will secure his return to the Bernabeu.
Munoz has had a breakthrough season at Osasuna, standing out with his pace and relentless running under coach Alessio Lisci. He’s made 31 appearances, scoring six goals and assisting five, and recently scored in his debut for Spain against Serbia. Osasuna even turned down a €25 million bid from Sunderland, signalling his rising value. The club’s sporting director, Braulio Vazquez, confirmed that Madrid’s buyback clause remains active for the early years of Munoz’s contract.
On the other hand, Jacobo Ramon and Chema Andres aren’t expected to return just yet. Alvarez de Mon notes that while Jacobo Ramon’s return is less likely, Chema Andres’s chances depend largely on Real Madrid’s moves in the transfer market. For now, the club seems content to keep monitoring their progress before deciding on a recall down the road.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD BENCHED FOR MADRID DERBY FOLLOWING TRAINING GROUND DISCIPLINARY BREACH
Real Madrid beat Atletico 3-2 as Vinicius Jnr shined, while Trent Alexander-Arnold faced a late penalty.
Reports say Real Madrid left Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the starting lineup for the Madrid derby on Sunday as a disciplinary measure after he showed up late. The former Liverpool player had been gaining momentum recently, securing a place in the team following a tough adjustment period. His rise included a notable performance in Real’s Champions League victory against Manchester City.
However, things took a turn earlier in the week when Thomas Tuchel excluded him from England’s 35-man squad, making his chances of going to the World Cup slim. Then on Sunday, Dani Carvajal was preferred at right back, with Alexander-Arnold only coming on for the final 15 minutes.
According to The Athletic, the reason behind this was Alexander-Arnold turning up late to a training session, which cost him his starting spot. The match ended 3-2 in Real’s favour, with Vinicius Jr scoring twice and Federico Valverde adding another. The visitors managed goals from Ademola Lookman and Nahuel Molina. Valverde was shown a late red card, but Real held on to keep their lead over Barcelona at the top of the league at four points.
Since joining Madrid on a free transfer from Liverpool, where he spent his youth career, Alexander-Arnold has featured in 21 matches across all competitions this season. He started 14 times, including six Champions League games, while managing injuries and adapting to his new environment.
His struggles at Madrid have affected his place in the England setup. Tuchel referred to it as a “sporting decision", opting for other right-back options like Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, and Djed Spence instead. With Reece James injured, Alexander-Arnold’s exclusion stands out, especially as Tuchel will need to reduce the squad from 35 players after this international break, which includes friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. His Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham remains part of the squad.
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