Article by Aurelian Botezatu – published Thursday, June 19, 2025, 07:35 / Updated Thursday, June 19, 2025 07:36
Real Madrid Na succeeded than 1-1 with Al Hilal, at the club World Cup, in Xabi Alonso's debut match on the bench.
Although, in extensions (90+2), Federico Valverde wasted a hit from 11 meters and, implicitly, the chance of Victoriei, Xabi Alonso showed his finger on the Raul Asentio defender, for the penalty caused in the 41st minute, the one from which Ruben Neves equalized for Al Hilal.
Xabi Alonso: “In the first I lost the ball too often”
“That penalty could be avoided! I didn't like what I played in the first half. In the second part I was better and I showed a more consistent game. I was more balanced and acted with more speed.
Yes, the second half was better. In the first I lost the ball too often. But this is a process and we are still at the beginning. Let's focus on the positive aspects, “commented the new coach of Real.
Xabi Alonso: “All at once can happen”
Asked if he was upset about the fact that he won at the beginning, Xabi pointed out: “Angry? No. I knew we would need time. It can't happen at once. In the second half I kept possession better and passed better. That's what I liked. “
Although no one excelled, the Spanish technician congratulated him on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen for the debut in the Real shirt. “Congrats on the debut! I'm glad for them, it's a special day. They will be important players for us,” Xabi said.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: “I will need time to accommodate”
Trent, however, admitted that he would need time to integrate: “I am incredibly proud of this achievement, but, of course, there is a certain dose of disappointment.
You want and expect to win every match, but, of course, with a new coach, new players and new ideas, there are positive aspects to remember, especially in the second half, and the bases were laid to win the next match. I first changed the team and will take some time to accommodate”.
