Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appeared at a press conference after the 2-0 victory over Espanyol in the fifth round of La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The coach said: "It was a convincing victory more than a wonderful one; we controlled the match and did not exhaust ourselves, as happened with the goals or red cards. It’s true that it’s not enjoyable, but I like it. We controlled the match well in the second half, and we had chances to score our third goal. This victory will enable us to continue developing and focusing on Tuesday's match against Levante."

He added about the secret of the goals: "Players need to shoot from long distances, especially against these low defensive blocks. It’s a good solution. With Gonzalo, we were able to focus more. Espanyol retreated more than I expected, and we had to focus on the match. This could be a model for what we will face at home. We will continue to play, and with the three points, we will analyze the match more calmly."

He continued: "Bellingham is an attacking midfielder, good at playing alongside midfielders and forwards. He has great movement, and the more we use him, the better our performance. Since we started in August, we have begun to adapt, and now we have two additional options after long injuries. This is very good news."

Regarding Bellingham's compatibility with Arda Güler: "They can play in similar positions and together. They played together in the World Cup, and that’s something I was thinking about. They complement each other wonderfully. One has movement and quality, while the other has Arda as a partner. It’s a very good opportunity to include them with Fede, Tchouaméni, and Ceballos, who had a good match in San Sebastián. The possibilities are open for me given what that means for the management."

He elaborated: "Vinicius? He didn’t score a goal today. When he was at his peak, I substituted him and managed to wait a bit, but I saw that bringing in new players was the best solution. He and Franco wanted to stay, but there are still many matches left. He hit the post, and that was unfortunate. I am happy with their performance, and sometimes we need new players because the match schedule is very exhausting."

About team management: "It’s great to have opportunities. The more right decisions we make, the better our performance, and the more wrong decisions we make, the worse our performance. The season is very long. We are in the sixth match of the season, and we shouldn’t reach definitive conclusions."

He followed up on Marco Asensio's performance: "What happened in the World Cup, not just for him but for the entire team, was important to overcome because it was in a different context. He prepared well and played a very strong match. We talked to him in the morning, and he played with determination and insistence. This is very good news for the team, and for finishing the match with the good feeling he left."

About Maestan Tuno: "We need a player who has the ability to play collectively and communicate. He has high quality, and as long as he performs well, he will play. I see him doing well, and I know he wants to score his first goal. Everything is coming, and the more we pressure him, the longer it will take. With calmness and the right actions, the goal and extraordinary things will come."

He concluded: "Kylian Mbappe played today in a different role. He played more as an attacking midfielder, and we talked about what we need with and without the ball. His height contributed to facilitating his wonderful transitions. He understands football well, and if I explain things to him, he will execute them. He performed wonderfully, and it’s a different role from his position as a second striker."