Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso heaps praise on Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid returned to winning ways on Tuesday with a convincing victory over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League. It is now two successes in a row for Los Blancos, who are looking in good stead to secure automatic progression to the last 16 of the competition.

As per Diario AS, head coach Xabi Alonso gave his assessment of the 90 minutes in Kazakhstan.

“It was a satisfying victory. Always before a game you have the necessary feeling for anything that can happen. It was a victory, scoring goals, getting the three points. In this format, when you have the chance to score goals you have to try not to forgive and we could have even scored more. We achieved the objective for today.

“We came with the clear objective of winning the game. It’s another competition, we wanted a good start. Now comes Juve. It’s important to score when you have the chances. Objective accomplished, the players have played seriously. We are thinking about Villarreal again.”

Alonso heaps praise on Kylian Mbappe following hattrick

The highlight of the encounter was Kylian Mbappe’s hattrick, which has taken him to 13 goals for the season already. During his post-match press conference, Alonso was asked about whether his Real Madrid side is reliant on their number 10.

“I’ll take Kylian’s great moment, not only the goals, but many other things he’s doing and helping the team with. The team is looking for him, we are progressing. Kylian’s rhythm is difficult to achieve, comparisons are complicated, but others are gradually accompanying: Vini, Arda… Only Kylian’s pace is very high.

“He is decisive in practically every game. He is clinical in front of the goal. The other day in the derby he also scored a spectacular goal. We need his quality to flourish, not only because of the goals, but because of everything. Because of his influence. He can have a spectacular season.”