Alonso talks Rudiger, Huijsen, Simeone, Vinicius and confirms Mbappe’s return for Super Cup final | OneFootball

Real Madrid took one big step towards the Spanish Super Cup title last night as they took apart Atletico Madrid in a narrow, yet thrilling game in Saudi Arabia.

After losing their last match against Los Rojiblancos, the squad was deeply motivated to get the better of them this time around.

And while the performance could indeed have been far more convincing, all they will take away is that they live to see another day in the competition and are 90 minutes away from the title.

Happy with the win

Xabi Alonso was visibly pleased when he faced the press after his team entered the final of the Spanish Super Cup, but he admitted to the media that the game was a very difficult one.

“It has been a very difficult match. Fede’s [Valverde] early goal gave us an advantage and changed everything a little because we already had something to defend.

“In the first half, we hardly suffered and there were moments for everything.

Federico Valverde’s goal gave Real Madrid an early lead. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“It was a semifinal and this team knows how to play the semifinals and knows how to compete. The goal was to get to the final,” he added.

Speaking on how the team had to change their tactics after Atletico Madrid pulled one back, the coach said,

“It was an intense and disputed match. With the 1-2, we had to change, but there was a moment when we stabilised, and in the end, we suffered.

“This is the way to fight for the title on Sunday, and we are in the final. I’m happy.”

“The goal was to go to the final against a very good rival. We knew it was going to be complicated, and yesterday we talked about not forgetting the League game.“

Alonso then went on to praise Federico Valverde for his stunning golazo early in the game.

“He played a great game. Not only for the goal and the assist but for what he has transmitted on the side in defence and attack. He is very intense and he has the competitive gene he has.”

“I am very happy for him and the goal gives him that extra confidence. It was a classic goal by Fede. Impressive hit,” he added.

On feud between Vinicius and Simeone

One of the topics that took the media by storm during the game was the interaction Diego Simeone had with Vinicius Jr. when he was being substituted, to which Alonso made it clear that it was not respectful.

Vinicius had an argument with Diego Simeone. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“The first thing is that I try to be respectful with the players of the opposing team, and I don’t usually address them. When I have read and listened to what he told him, I like it less.

“What he said is not an example of a good athlete and for me not everything is valid.

“You have to have respect for the rival and everything that happens on the field has a limit,” he added.

Speaking on Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio both being substituted, the manager provided an update on both players’ situations.

“Antonio had limitations with his knee. He made a great effort and could not take it anymore. Raul was also suffering and we needed refreshment in that defensive line.

“Fran [Garcia] and Ferland [Mendy] have entered well, and when Jude was in the double pivot, we gathered a few more passes, and we have stabilised.

“The last phase already had to defend the result a little more. We have to see on Sunday and see if we are recovering more people as well,” he added.

On exploiting Courtois’ range

Courtois was very decisive against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Towards the end of his interview, the manager was asked if the team were abusing Thibaut Courtois’ long-ball too much, to which he said,

“In some situations, we had talked about it and in others we lacked a bit more pause to link up and arrive better.”

“We had talked about not always starting short and the free-kick that preceded Fede’s goal was a Gonzalo flick that Jude hooked in between the lines,” he added.

Finally, the manager confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be back with the team for the final and may well even participate.

“The final will be different and Mbappe will travel tomorrow. He’s much better.”

“He has trained, and he feels good. His chances of playing are the same as for everyone in the squad,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website