Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso admitted last Sunday that his team ‘needed’ victory over FC Barcelona in El Clasico ahead of Valencia’s trip to the Bernabéu.
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Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso admitted that his team ‘needed’ victory over FC Barcelona in El Clasico last Sunday, ahead of Valencia’s trip to the Bernabéu.
Los Blancos were the better team in the world’s biggest derby and finished with a 2-1 win, bullying a team that defeated them four times in 2024/2025 on their way to a domestic treble.
The jury was still out on Alonso’s side, who lost the first major test of the current season 5-2 to Atletico Madrid.
However, by taking the lead from Hansi Flick’s injury-depleted side, Madrid opened a five-point lead at the La Liga top and have a chance to make it eight on Saturday by beating Valencia before Barcelona host Elche less than 24 hours later.
“Before the Clasico we talked about it being an important match, that it had more value,” Alonso explained at his press conference on Friday.
“The celebration and the moment were important for the team’s confidence. We needed a victory of that magnitude. Now we have to know how to take the positive and not forget it, or think that it will give us safety,” Alonso added.
“A lot of the things we tried went well. The team showed a lot of solidity and concentration and we were very much in favor of it. That was reflected in the boys in all the games, how they anticipated the situation by winning games. When we are strong, we take the initiative,” Alonso added.
Alonso was asked if he would like Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. will punish.
Amid criticism from FC Barcelona legend Rivaldo, Alonso was of course asked if he would like Vinicius Jr. wants to punish for his tantrum after being sent off in the Clasico, for which the Brazilian has already apologized.
The Spaniard said there will be “no reprisals” and that if Vinicius is on the bench against Valencia it will be to combat fatigue and manage the workload with Liverpool looming in a few days, rather than being a disciplinary measure.
“I think the team and Vini are focused on what we have in front of us. We are competitive, we want the best and everyone wants to be on the field. That’s good. Now the approach and direction of the team is the same,” said Alonso.
Real Madrid’s next three games before the international break see them take on Valencia, Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano.
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