For now, Real Madrid are back at the top of La Liga after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu. Vinicius Junior (x2) and Kylian Mbappe got the goals for Los Blancos, who will remain atop of the standings if Barcelona were to not secure a win of their own against Sevilla on Sunday afternoon.
As per Diario AS, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso delivered his assessment of the encounter when speaking to the media post-match.
“We have very good feelings. It was a hard-worked, serious game. We had to wait for our moment. It cost the first goal, but the team did not break down and Vini’s goal came. In the second half we could have settled the game earlier.”
Alonso: “Vinicius created a lot of problems for Mouriño”
Vinicius was the difference-maker for Real Madrid, and Alonso could not hide his delight with the performance of his number seven.
“He played a very good game, not only because of the goal. He has been very unbalanced, he created a lot of problems for Mouriño. I like to see Vini smile. I’m happy for him and for the team, we wanted to finish this cycle well.”
Alonso on Fede Valverde: “He wants to feel useful”
Alonso also had words of praise for Federico Valverde, who started at right-back for the first time since reports emerged that he did not wish to occupy the position for Real Madrid.
“He had a very good game on the right wing. He is always willing to play wherever he has to. He helped us a lot in transitions, a great game from Fede. Today because of the needs we have, he played there. He is very generous, he wants to feel useful wherever he plays. He has never put any impediment in place.”
Alonso confirms injuries for Mbappe and Mastantuono
Alonso also noted injury issues for Mbappe and Franco Mastanuono, both of whom were forced off during the second half against Villarreal.
“Kylian had a discomfort in his ankle and Franco has an overload in his hamstring. We will continue the progression with their national teams. We can’t say if (Mbappe) will go with France or not, they will have to evaluate him in their national team. If it gets complicated, he won’t be able to play, but now we can’t say anything.”
