Real Madrid returned to the top of the La Liga standings on Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum, with Kylian Mbappe’s late goal proving to be the difference.
As per Diario AS, head coach Xabi Alonso gave his reaction to the encounter, which he always knew would be very difficult for his side.
“It was a very demanding, complicated match. Coming to Getafe is never easy, you have to know how to compete. You must be prepared because the match is not always the most… nice. But the team has shown its face, it has known how to work. We had some situations to take the lead in the first half. But… We have been enjoying ourselves without the match being very pretty. Being focused, doing what we had to do. We will face next week with good energy.”
Alonso: “Vinicius Junior was unbalanced, he forced cards”
Alonso was also asked about Vinicius Junior’s impact from the bench. After being brought on, the Brazil international drew the fouls that led to Getafe players Allan Nyom and Alex Sancris being sent off.
“He had a great impact. We talked about it this morning: he could have been so important from the start, as to change the game coming off the bench. And that’s how it was. Unbalanced, forcing cards… because from there, the advantage came. In the end, it’s this: that everyone knows that they can be important in the role they have.”
Alonso gives update on Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba injuries
Alonso also spoke on the situations with David Alaba, who was forced off at half time, and Thibaut Courtois, who took a blow to his knee in the final stages of the match after making an important save.
“Courtois, I think he is okay. Alaba has felt something… There is no injury, but his calf was getting hard and we didn’t want to take risks. Tomorrow we will look into it more.”
