Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appeared at a press conference after the 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano in the twelfth round of the Premier League.

The coach said, "We were prepared for a tough match, whether this season or in previous seasons. It has always been difficult for us to start by taking the lead and having a comfortable game, because Rayo is a team that presses a lot and requires a great effort, especially in the second half. The match was characterized by many transitions, putting you in a context where the game has a crazy rhythm, and that’s what happened today as well."

He added: "After the Anfield match, which is now behind us, we faced a game today that is difficult to control and manage in the way we want. In the second half, anything could have happened. I don't attribute it to emotional or psychological factors; we want to be very stable in our preparation and mentality because we know that La Liga is played match by match. Today, we weren't able to win."

He continued, "Are you more concerned about performance or results? What worries me is that we need to continue growing and improving, and to conduct a positive and constructive self-critique. This is Real Madrid, and we all know where we are. It's still November, and the road is long. We should have high demands but also maintain balance."

He added, "We didn't win all the duels, but we also didn't lose them all. Today the match was very competitive, and Rayo plays a lot on quick transitions. In the second half, we defended well. In offensive transitions, we didn't manage to create a difference, but defensively, Carriço, Militao, Asensio, and Valverde were good, with Camavinga supporting them; it wasn't a problem of lacking intensity."

He continued in his speech: "The second half became very open. There were many shifts, both for them and for us. At times, we lacked the ability to create clearer attacking opportunities. The second half was chaotic."

Regarding the recent results: "We know our position. We need to understand how to handle both the good and the bad moments. The season is long, the level of demands is very high, but we are used to it and we are preparing for it."

Regarding the absence of Endrick or Gonzalo Garcia, he said: "We had other attackers on the field who could also create danger."

He concluded about Trent Alexander-Arnold: "Valverde was in good shape before the match. As for Trent, he needs a bit more time after his injury. It's certain that during the break, he will be able to prepare well for the upcoming phase."