Real Madrid News
Alonso talks Vinicius, Garcia, Mbappe, Rudiger, Bellingham, Endrick after RB Salzburg 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso shared his joy after his team beat RB Salzburg, a victory that secured their place as group winners in the Club World Cup round of 16.
Up next, they willl face Juventus in what promises to be an exciting clash. Speaking after the match, Alonso highlighted Vinicius Jr.’s outstanding performance.
“I’m not just happy with his goal and assist,” he said, “but also with how he came back to help in defence and his effort in pressing.
“He had freedom in attack and worked well with Gonzalo. Many players left the pitch feeling good. I’m really happy for him and the whole team, but we know the journey is still long.”
On Gonzalo Garcia
When asked about young striker Gonzalo Garcia, Alonso made it clear he always believed in him.
“What he’s doing doesn’t surprise me at all. He’s shown it many times with Castilla. He’s a classic number nine who waits for the right moment and moves smartly.
“He reminds me of Raúl with his movements. I’m very happy for him. But there are no decisions yet about next season.”
Integrating Vini, Mbappe, and Garcia
Alonso is confident about getting the best out of his attacking stars. “Of course, they can play together. It’s not about each one doing their own thing, but about building a strong unit,” he explained.
On Kylian Mbappe’s chances of returning for the round of 16 against Juventus, Alonso said, “We want him back in top shape. I can’t confirm if he’ll play, but we’re optimistic for Tuesday.”
He also addressed Antonio Rudiger’s condition after the game, saying, “He just had cramps, nothing serious. He’s comfortable playing with three centre-backs, like at Chelsea. He gives us strength and helps us stay flexible.”
On Guler, Bellingham and Endrick
Discussing his midfield options, Alonso praised Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham. “With Jude between the lines, we can create superiority. Arda plays deeper, controls well, and links nicely with the defenders.”
He also provided an update on Endrick, the young Brazilian star, stating,
“He’s still recovering, but we want him back soon. He’ll join us in the US for training, and I’m counting on him for the future.”
Lastly, when asked if any injured Real Madrid star will return in the round of 16, he said, “Well, let’s wait and see. I don’t want to get ahead of myself. We thought Mbappe would make it to this one, but that wasn’t the case.
“There are four days of preparation left, and I want to be optimistic, but also cautious. We’ll see,” he concluded.
Source: AS
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
