Real Madrid are going into El Clasico in good form, having picked up wins in their last four matches across all competitions. They will want to make it five in a row against Barcelona, and if they do, it would end their poor form in the fixture.
Furthermore, it would also end Real Madrid’s “run” of defeats in big matches under Xabi Alonso, with them having been defeated by Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid since his arrival in June.
As per Diario AS, Alonso has made it clear that Sunday’s match is the only one that matters, although he has been pleased by the response to that defeat against Atleti four weeks ago.
“A few weeks have passed and we have been correcting things. Looking ahead to tomorrow, we believe that we are in a good moment, both mentally and from a football perspective. I want to win and for the fans to have a good time. The match has a special flavour and is the most important one now.”
Alonso was asked about Kylian Mbappe ahead of El Clasico, and he admitted that he wants to see more from the French striker.
“I see Mbappe well. Everyone is very motivated and eager to win. They are all recovered from the Juve game. Tomorrow is the time to deliver.
“Due to the quality of our players they can be offside, but we have to do more things. We have to see where we give the passes from. Small details make all the difference. I want to see how he can be more efficient, what can he do to appear and how he can be the most decisive, not only with goals. The collective quality of the team is improving. Mbappé is fundamental.”
Alonso confident of beating aggressive Barcelona press
Real Madrid failed to get the better of Hansi Flick’s aggressive style last season, but Alonso believes that his side are capable of doing it on Sunday.
“The most important thing is us. There are game plans, but always on our idea – and not only with the ball. You have to know when to press.”
