Alonso: We played a good match, and Vinicius was decisive
Monday 25-08-2025
Xabi Alonso, the coach of Real Madrid, appeared at the press conference at Carlos Tartiere Stadium after Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Oviedo in the second round of La Liga matches.

The coach said: "We played a very good match. In the first half, we played at a high pace both with and without the ball, and we were the more dominant side. Sometimes things were difficult because Oviedo was compact, but the rhythm was great. In the second half, we perhaps dropped a bit, Oviedo pushed forward, and it became difficult for us to maintain the same tempo."

He added: "Through defense, we regained the ball and transitioned quickly, and the second goal gave us calm. I confirm that the match was complete and very serious away from home, with a great attitude from the team both with and without the ball. I liked that a lot."

Regarding Vinicius Junior, who came on as a substitute and made one assist and scored another: "He came on wonderfully and was decisive in scoring both goals. I'm happy for him. We need everyone, whether starters or those coming off the bench... there will be many matches for everyone."

He continued: "Dani Carvajal wants to return to the national team, but the decision is up to the coach. I am very happy to see him regain his feeling after a long injury. In the World Cup, he had the desire, but he needed more time, and he still needs it, but today he played 85 minutes in his usual style, competitively and as a leader of the team. I hope he returns, and if it doesn't happen now, it will happen soon."

On changes to the lineup: "It depends on what we need tactically, the physical load, or the opponent. I haven't made a fixed decision for the next month. I will see how we recover so that everyone feels important and ready, whether to start or come off the bench. This is important for achieving stability in performance; today was a match to know that we continue to develop. We want to continue this way, and we will now prepare for the Mallorca match before the international break. We have more than 20 players on the list, and I will try to get the best out of all of them. Sometimes you can play a few minutes and be important; today, Vinicius was that."

Regarding Vinicius sitting on the bench: "Every player is different. The same respect should be demanded, but the relationship differs. In football, decisions must be understood; they are made in the interest of the team. Today was one of those times."

On Kylian Mbappe: "He regained 4 kilograms he lost during the World Cup. I can't say much about last season because he wasn't here. I see him well, excited, and transferring that excitement to the team. I love when he presses and comes back. We know he will score goals, but when we maintain balance, we are better whether we have the ball or not. Today he was great, as he was in the last match. We continue to grow and understand what needs to be improved. Time is short, but the impressions are good."

Regarding Rodrigo: "He had a good match. In the first half, he played well on the flank, cooperating with Carrius, and sometimes Mbappe moved to the same side as well as Güler. He got into one-on-one situations and took some shots. Oviedo was compact, making it difficult to find spaces, but I liked him. After last week, we need everyone, and Rodrigo is one of them."

On Mastanton: "He had a great match. In a short time, he managed to integrate with the group and his teammates. He seems to be in harmony in daily life and in play. He will give us a lot in the short, medium, and long term. He is still very young. I am happy to have him with us; he has great energy and his left foot is special. He will continue to develop."

On Rudiger's participation: "I need to get the maximum collective benefit from the available players. Rudiger is a reliable, stable, and fierce competitor. It's good to have options. It depends on our needs in each match. Militao played the previous match fully after a long injury, and we must be cautious with him. Antonio is a very reliable player."

He concluded about his conversation with Cazorla: "I was a bit affected because I know the situation he is experiencing here after a very great career. The atmosphere at Tartiere was amazing. I haven't seen Santi for a long time, and I was touched when I hugged him. He is a unique player."

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