Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso admitted that his team ‘needed’ its victory over FC Barcelona in El Clasico last Sunday, ahead of Valencia’s trip to the Bernabeu.
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Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso admitted that his team ‘needed’ its victory over FC Barcelona in El Clasico last Sunday, ahead of Valencia’s trip to the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos were the better team in the world’s biggest derby, and ran out with a 2-1 win which saw them bully an outfit which beat it four times in 2024/2025 on the way to a domestic treble.
The jury was still out on Alonso’s squad, which lost its first big test of the current campaign 5-2 to Atletico Madrid.
By coming out on top of Hansi Flick’s injury-depleted side, however, Madrid opened up a five-point advantage at the La Liga summit and has a chance to make that eight on Saturday by beating Valencia prior to Barca hosting Elche less than 24 hours later.
“Before the Clasico we talked about how it was an important match, that it had more value,” Alonso explained at his press conference on Friday.
“The celebration and the moment was important for the team’s confidence. We needed a victory of that size. Now we have to know how to take the positive and not forget it, or think that it will give us security,” Alonso added.
“Many of the things we tried went well. The team showed a lot of solidity, concentration and we were very up for it. That was seen in the boys in all the plays, how they anticipated the situation by winning duels. When we are strong, we take the initiative,” Alonso added.
Alonso was asked if he’ll punish Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
Amid criticism from FC Barcelona legend Rivaldo, Alonso was naturally asked if he will punish Vinicius Jr. for his tantrum after being brought off in the Clasico, for which the Brazilian has already apologised.
The Spaniard said there will be “no reprisal”, and that if Vinicius is on the bench against Valencia, it is to combat fatigue and manage workload with Liverpool on the horizon in a few days, as opposed to being a disciplinary measure.
“I think the team and Vini are focused on what we have ahead of us. We are competitive, we want the best and everyone wants to be on the pitch. That’s good. Now, the approach and direction of the team is the same,” Alonso stated.
Real Madrid’s next three matches before the international break see them take on Valencia, Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2025/10/31/alonso-says-real-madrid-needed-victory-over-fc-barcelona-in-el-clasico/
