Xabi Alonso talks Trent, Vinicius benching, Mbappe after Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille | OneFootball

Real Madrid kicked off their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Xabi Alonso’s men were pushed to the limit, dominating in phases, surviving with ten men after Dani Carvajal’s dismissal, and ultimately holding on with maturity.

The Spanish giants, in fact, had to rely on two penalty goals scored by Kylian Mbappe to pick up the three points, even though they conceded first in the 22nd minute.

What Xabi Alonso said after win over Marseille

In the post-match presser, Xabi Alonso reflected on Real Madrid’s performance, admitting that he was frustrated at the team for taking advantage of their early chances.

“A lot happened in the match. The first half-hour was very good, with many chances. We could have taken the lead, but we conceded. Then everything became level. We were pushing until things got complicated with Carva’s sending-off.

“And the team showed their self-respect, their Champions League spirit. We didn’t back down; we wanted to win. And that spirit allowed us to defend with 10 men and hardly have any trouble,” he said.

The coach acknowledged that Real Madrid were on top for long spells but conceded that the red card changed the flow of the game.

“We were winning every time. And Marseille is playing well. We had recovered a lot in the opponent’s half. It was a very good match, even after the draw. And after the sending-off, everything went crazy,” he said.

Talking about Carvajal’s red card, the new Real Madrid coach did not hide his disappointment at all.

“The expulsion was avoidable, it’s a shame. We’ll have to talk about it. And the other thing, what the referee called.”

Dani Carvajal’s red card was the turning point of the game. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe once again delivered for Madrid, scoring twice to secure the win. Alonso praised his star forward’s form and personality.

“It wasn’t bad. He’s in his best shape, with two goals. I’m happy to be with him, day in and day out, because we have a lot left. There are a lot of personalities, and I’m very happy,” he said.

Vinicius Jr. did not start the game, a decision that raised eyebrows. Alonso explained it as part of squad management.

“We’re in a very demanding moment in the schedule, and we need everyone. We need Vini, Rodrygo, Franco. It’s important that everyone feels important,” he said.

Alonso made it clear that any sensitive discussions with players remain in-house.

“If there are private conversations, that’ll stay in Valdebebas. There will be moments for everyone. No one will play their entire game. No one can feel offended about not playing a game. Vini has come in well. The substitutions are having a good impact on the game,” he added.

The coach admitted that while Madrid impressed in the first half, the second half was less intense, but the team’s maturity showed.

“A lot happened. It’s a typical Champions League match where everything happened. I really enjoyed the first half hour, the pressure, very convinced of what to do, recovering a lot. We needed to reinforce our good play with goals.

“Despite conceding, the team continued in good form. The second half wasn’t as frantic. With one man down, I didn’t feel like I was trying to hold on; we were ahead anyway. We showed maturity, we barely suffered at all,” he said.

Xabi Alonso is not afraid to switch things around. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Asked about his animated presence on the sidelines, Alonso admitted his intensity, stating, “I’m active, I like what I feel. I treat every game as if it were my last.”

The Spanish tactician also talked about his use of substitution windows, adding, “There were only two windows left. I didn’t want to waste the window.”

Meanwhile, Madrid were dealt another concern when Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off injured. Alonso provided an update on the Englishman’s fitness.

“We’ll wait a bit, maybe it’s not as bad as it seemed… We have to be creative in finding solutions. Asencio came in well. Camavinga and Jude are back and will be able to play on Saturday,” he said.

The Spaniard also answered whether Real Madrid are considering switching to a back three in the future, stating, “There are options, and we have flexible players. This opens up a scenario in which we have to think, to see what solution might be good.”

Finally, Alonso underlined that while Madrid are improving, there’s still room for greater consistency.

“We’re growing, the players feel we can achieve what we’ve talked about. We’re having very good spells in matches, but perhaps we lack a little consistency… But we’re on the right track. In three months, we’ll be much better,” he concluded.