Xabi Alonso finds silver linings after Supercopa heartbreak against Barcelona
Real Madrid's gaffer keeps his chin up despite a narrow defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final, highlighting positives to take into the rest of the season.
Despite the disappointment of falling short at the final hurdle, Xabi Alonso maintained his trademark composure as he reflected on Real Madrid’s narrow defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.
Mixed emotions after tight final
The Madrid boss admitted to experiencing “a mixture of emotions” following the loss. While gutted about missing out on silverware, he expressed pride in how his squad battled until the final whistle in what he described as an evenly matched contest with “different moments” throughout.
“We’re not happy with the result, but we can take positive things from it,” Alonso remarked, embodying the glass-half-full approach that’s been his hallmark since taking the hot seat.
Strong start undermined by quick turnaround
Alonso was particularly pleased with Madrid’s opening half-hour, during which they conceded very little. However, the match dynamics shifted rapidly, with multiple goals changing the complexion of the game in short succession.
The gaffer praised his team’s attitude and commitment, noting how they managed difficult periods without possession while maintaining conviction in their approach. After falling behind 3-2, he remained convinced they’d find an equalizer to force penalties, but that final bit of clinical finishing proved elusive.
Vini shines despite defeat
Vinicius Junior earned special praise from his manager, who highlighted the Brazilian’s spectacular goal and constant threat down the left flank. The forward eventually requested a substitution around the 85-minute mark due to fatigue and the humid conditions, but not before leaving his mark on the contest.
Mbappé minutes managed
Interestingly, Alonso revealed that Kylian Mbappé was set to enter the fray just before Barcelona scored their third goal. The decision to start the Frenchman on the bench was tactical, with Alonso explaining that Mbappé “wasn’t prepared to start with the intensity the match would have,” suggesting careful management of the superstar’s minutes.
Injury concerns persist
Physical condition remains a significant concern for Los Blancos, with Alonso lamenting how injuries have hampered squad rotation and workload management. His priority now shifts to player recovery, which he described as “crucial at this moment.”
Looking forward
Always the pragmatist, Alonso put the defeat in perspective, noting that of all competitions they’re involved in, the Supercopa is “the least important.” His focus now turns to lifting spirits and getting players back to full fitness as Madrid continue their campaign on multiple fronts.
For the Madrid faithful, it’s a case of chin up and on to the next one, innit?