Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso shared his thoughts on the Champions League general stage match against Marseille. The Madrid side confidently converted penalties in a dramatic match, securing a crucial 2-1 victory.
- A lot of things happened at the meeting. In the first half-hour, we played very actively, created a few goal-scoring chances, and had the opportunity to get ahead. But we still conceded the ball. Then the game continued at a steady pace. In the second half, we focused more on attack, but we couldn't create many chances. Carvajal's removal from the field dramatically complicated the situation. "Until now, we were in constant motion, as if we were training," the coach emphasized.
Alonso emphasized that they displayed a Champions League spirit at the Santiago Bernabéu and, as a result, defended with ten men, saving three crucial points. "We've taken possession of the ball several times in the opponent's half, we've joined quickly. Overall, it was a very good game. "The second half slowed down a bit, and after the red card, it was completely different," he said.
In the coach's opinion, the suspension could have been avoided, and a separate discussion on this topic with the team would be necessary. At the same time, Alonso specifically praised Kylian Mbappé: "He didn't play badly, but he scored two goals and had a decisive impact on the result. He has a lot of personal experience and football skills, and I'm happy to work with him. There are many brilliant individuals in this team, and I'm very happy," Alonso added.
The Madrid side thus started the group stage with a victory, inspiring their fans with high hopes for the new season.
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