Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appeared at a press conference following the 1-1 draw against Girona in the 14th round of the Spanish league, held at Montilivi Stadium.

The coach said: "In the second half specifically, there was improvement; we applied offensive pressure and created more chances. We had enough opportunities to win. But we lacked accuracy in front of the goal. Not winning... well, we're still in the competition, everything is very balanced, it's a long season and we have to keep going."

He added about Rodrigo's penalty kick that was not awarded: "I didn't see it, but I was told it can be reviewed using video technology due to the contact. It's surprising... but okay, we'll watch it. These are crucial moments that can determine the outcome of the match."

He continued: "In every season, there are different phases. There were times, especially at the beginning, when we were consistent, and recently there have been phases... Today, the second half was much better than the first, and we managed to come back. The team was eager to overcome the deficit, but we failed... We had three or four clear chances inside the penalty area to score the second goal and win. But we have to maintain the high level that characterizes Real Madrid. And this is a long season."

He added: "Three consecutive draws in the league... Do you have any criticism of the team's behavior? No, nothing. I liked today's reaction; it wasn't enough, but we were close. We have to maintain our unity, along with the necessary self-criticism. We are eager to win away from home, which has been a real challenge for us this season. We have a chance in Bilbao on Wednesday. We'll see."

He emphasized: "We have lacked longer periods of consistent good attacking play and control. We showed a lot of that in the second half, and that’s what we want. Why don’t we achieve that? That’s what we need to analyze, look into, and try to do from the start. Or maintain that level in the second half, if we had done so in the first half. I said this in the press conference a few days ago, and it’s almost the same today."

And he concluded about facing Bilbao: "It's an opportunity to win away from home again, but the points are what they are. We are still in the competition; it will be a long season, and the standings will become very close. There will be a lot of competition. We are playing for the three points... but yes, Bilbao is a good chance to win. We need it, and we want it. After today... well, we'll look at how to improve our performance."