Real Madrid News
Alaves boss praises Real Madrid’s quality after defeat: ‘We were up against a great opponent’
Alaves manager Quique Sanchez Flores offered a solid and rational assessment of Real Madrid following a 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Alaves boss highlighted how competitive the match was despite the final result, pointing out that his side managed to stay alive in the contest until late on.
He reflected on key moments where the game could have shifted earlier in their favour, while also acknowledging the level of opposition they faced.
“It was a match with a lot of shots on goal. It’s important to stay in the game until the end.
“At 2-0, we were in a tough spot, but then, after Toni scored, it already seemed a little too late. I think we could have scored earlier.
“We were up against a great opponent, but we competed well, and now we have to focus on Saturday’s match. We stayed in it the whole time.”
Analysing the match
Apart from the scoreline, Flores also focused on how Real Madrid managed the rhythm of the game.
He pointed out their control in possession and their ability to avoid being dragged into uncomfortable situations, something Alaves had hoped to exploit.
“They controlled the game comfortably and avoided difficult situations, which was kind of what we were looking for. I rate Arbeloa’s work highly.
“They have competed very well in the Champions League, and that caused them to lose focus on the league campaign.
“Alvaro has shown consistency. We have affection and respect for each other, and I view what he’s doing positively.”
Impact of Real Madrid forwards
The Alaves coach also spoke about the impact of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, both of whom played decisive roles in the outcome.
He admitted their individual quality and also hinted at their potential as a long-term attacking partnership.
“They’re very good; they have similar characteristics. In some matches, they clicked, and in others, less so.
“I think they’re decisive and can be daunting when you face them. Real Madrid’s future could be envisioned with both of them simultaneously,” he concluded.
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho wants more attacking options at Real Madrid despite reaching 500-goal milestone
Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to become even more dangerous in attack, despite reaching a significant milestone during their 4-3 victory over AS Roma.
According to MARCA, it has come to light that Antonio Rudiger’s goal against Roma helped Mourinho’s Real Madrid reach 500 goals under his management.
However, the achievement has not changed the Portuguese coach’s desire to add more variety to his team’s attacking play.
In fact, Mourinho wants a side capable of controlling possession, launching rapid counter-attacks and creating danger from set pieces, all without losing the defensive discipline that defines his approach.
Mourinho targets attacking variety at Real Madrid
Real Madrid already have considerable firepower at their disposal, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande, Arda Guler, Carlos Espi and Endrick, giving Mourinho several attacking options.
On top of that, the injured Rodrygo would provide another high-quality alternative once available.
Hence, the challenge is not only to score more goals, but to make Real Madrid less predictable.
Mourinho wants his forwards to exploit their pace in transition while ensuring the team can also break down opponents through patient build-up play.
Set pieces are another important part of his plans, as combining those threats with defensive organisation would give the team more ways to control matches and punish different types of opposition.
Mourinho reaches 500 goals for Real Madrid
Rudiger’s strike against Roma carried added significance because it took Mourinho to 500 goals in 188 matches as Real Madrid manager.
That works out at an average of 2.66 goals per game, the best return among club managers who have overseen at least 50 matches.
La Liga accounts for the largest share, with Real Madrid scoring 345 goals in 122 matches.
They have added 92 goals in 38 Champions League games, 55 in 24 Copa del Rey matches and eight in four Spanish Super Cup fixtures.
Their biggest victory during this spell came in the 2010-11 Copa del Rey, when Madrid beat Levante 8-0.
This season, though, the team are averaging 2.5 goals per match.
Mourinho wants more from Real Madrid’s attack
The numbers underline Real Madrid’s scoring power, but Mourinho is looking beyond the milestone.
His ambition is to build a more versatile attack that can adapt to different opponents rather than rely solely on individual brilliance or quick transitions.
With Mbappe and Vinicius offering pace and penetration, and several other options providing different qualities, Madrid have the personnel to develop that flexibility.
Hence, the next step is making those strengths work together consistently.
