Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso, appeared at a press conference to discuss tomorrow's match against Sevilla in the seventeenth round of the Spanish league, to be held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The coach said: "This is the last match of the year, and it comes after a challenging period during which we played many games. We want to finish the season on a high note, secure our third consecutive win, and leave with a positive feeling to start 2026 with energy and optimism to face all upcoming challenges."

He added: "We have a strong opponent. Sevilla is pressing us hard. They play with a style that relies on individual confrontations. They are players who are not afraid of challenges. But we are playing at home, and we want the fans to enjoy the match."

And he continued: "From the very beginning, from our first conversations, we have shared a close relationship built on trust, respect, and affection. We are fully aware of the project and the goals we aim to achieve. Expectations are very high, but the road is long; there will be good times and less good times. We are on the threshold of the final match, striving to finish the year strong and start the next year with enthusiasm."

About Rodrigo: "It was wonderful to see everything he delivered in these two matches, from his performance to the balance he brought to the team. He has excellent ball control and provides continuity to the play. He is skilled at passing between the lines and in tight spaces. We need to rely on him more; we want to be more consistent in that. Rodrigo can play on all three wings – right, center, and left – depending on our needs. He is in good form, and I am very happy for him. He deserves it."

He elaborated on playing with three forwards: "We have tried that sometimes, especially with Gonzalo, but Endrick performed well in the last match. This gives Mbappé and the wingers more freedom in those spaces. When we prepare for matches against compact defenses or where we need to concentrate our presence inside the penalty area, we know their good movements. We can also make short runs to create opportunities for Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Gvardiol, or Bellingham. We have to combine the individual quality of the players with the collective quality we aim to achieve."

He continued: "The priority is to win, then to deliver the best possible performance. Performance will be evaluated at the end of the season. We are still halfway through the season, and it is too early to make assessments. Additionally, it is not my place to evaluate myself."

Regarding the injuries: "Some players were able to participate today, and others will be available tomorrow morning during a short training session. We will decide then. I cannot give a final assessment of what will happen with the team. We are waiting for everyone to return because we need them; the more players who come back, the better. We will add players gradually."

Regarding Vinicius's absence from scoring: "Certainly, we talk and work with him. It’s about the matches and timing. He has been very close to scoring, and I have no doubt that he will score. I hope it happens as soon as possible, maybe even tomorrow."

He noted, "I am fine. I will see my family soon, but I have seen you more in recent months. I feel excited, energetic, and strong. It has been a very tough period; we played nine consecutive matches. Tomorrow, we want to finish the season strongly so that we can enter the break more comfortably and start the new year with strength, determination, and the desire to continue the journey."

Regarding the press conferences: "This is part of the job. Don’t think I came here to suffer; I accept everything with a sportsmanlike spirit. If you think there are no difficult moments in this work, you are mistaken. For me, this is not a problem at all."

He added, "We know that we always aspire to achieve everything. We know what our ultimate goal is. In this process, what we want to do and how to achieve it is fundamental. In this sense, we are all united, from the president to the players and everyone involved. The effort we put in is undeniable."

He concluded about Sevilla's record of not winning at the Bernabéu for 17 years: "My goal is to win the match. That's what we're focused on. I wasn't aware of those statistics."