Real Madrid’s Thrilling Victory
Xabi Alonso highlighted the significance of Real Madrid’s thrilling 4-3 victory against Olympiacos in the Champions League as a vital turning point for the club, which had found itself in a challenging run with three winless matches prior. The match, held on Wednesday, saw Kylian Mbappé shine through with an outstanding performance, netting four goals, including a hat trick within a quick seven-minute span, while Vinícius Júnior contributed with two assists. This crucial triumph boosted Madrid’s points total to 12, helping them secure a spot among the top teams in the competition.
Recent Struggles and Pressure
Prior to this match, Real Madrid faced disappointment with their recent performances: a defeat to Liverpool followed by lackluster draws against both Rayo Vallecano and Elche. This ongoing slump led to mounting pressure and scrutiny over Alonso’s coaching strategies and concerns over his rapport with key players.
“Changing the dynamic was imperative today,” Alonso asserted in a post-match interview with Movistar. “It was crucial for our progress in the league stage, especially given our current circumstances.”
Addressing Player Dynamics
Alonso addressed the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his dynamic with Vinícius Júnior, who has been benched on four occasions this season, a situation that reportedly caused some friction, especially after his frustrated exit from the pitch during a previous outing. Reflecting on Vinícius, Alonso noted,
“I regret the disallowed goal; it was precisely the kind of play we had worked on together, typical for him.”
Mbappé’s Impact
Moreover, Alonso expressed admiration for Mbappé’s contributions, emphasizing his significant impact on the team’s atmosphere.
“His leadership and unique qualities are essential for building a strong team,”
he acknowledged, adding that Mbappé currently leads as the top scorer in both LaLiga and the Champions League.
Looking Ahead
After the match, Mbappé also acknowledged the challenges facing the team, stating,
“There are aspects we must continue to work on. External opinions are part of the territory when you play for Real Madrid. We must unite and support one another—players, coaches, and staff alike. We feel the support from our fans.”
As the season unfolds, both Alonso and his squad are aware that they must navigate various hurdles, but they aim to remain resilient and focused on their objectives.
