Xabi Alonso talks Vinicius, Valdepenas, VAR, penalty incident after Alaves 1-2 Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid took all three points against Deportivo Alaves last night in a game where everything was seemingly against them.

Entering the game with a virtually inexistent defence and a manager whose job was on the line, Los Blancos did fabulously well to register a win away from home and take all three points.

More importantly, they cut the deficit with Barcelona back to just four points and are well within fighting range.

Alonso’s analysis

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso spoke to the media after his team’s much-needed win on Sunday night and gave his two cents on how the game progressed.

“It was a competitive match. I think we started very well, we took the lead and then we lost control of the ball a little bit.

“However, we started the second half well and had several chances to score the second goal.”

Speaking on the goal that they conceded and the circumstances under which it came, Alonso said,“We conceded on the only occasion that Valdepeñas made a mistake, because in all the others he was very accurate and played very well.”

“But then, the team continued to stand up and fight, battling hard in a difficult stadium against a very intense opponent.

“We got that second goal that gave us the three points and we’re leaving here happy,” he added.

The Vinicius incident

Vinicius Jr. was close to being awarded a penalty. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Alonso then did not hold back and expressed how he felt the foul on Vinicius Jr was a penalty-worthy moment.

“I’m going to talk about the play, I’m not going to talk about the referee, but it did look like a clear penalty. Vini Jr. was going very fast; there was contact.

“I’m very surprised that they didn’t even go to VAR on that play. That said, we’re not surprised, and we have to move on.”

The media then reminded Alonso that the man in charge of VAR on the night was Gonzalez Fuertes, the referee who threatened Madrid in the Cup final, and whether that had an impact on the decision.

“You said it, and we’ll leave it at that,” he said.

Speaking on how the team were far than how they played against Celta Vigo, Alonso praised his men, saying, 

“The Celta game wasn’t a good one. We were lacking in a lot of areas. Today there were positive things and things that we need in every game.”

“We need continuity and consistency. This is LaLiga. If it serves as a learning experience, let’s not forget it,” he added.

Praise for Victor Valdepenas

The Real Madrid manager then took a moment to praise young Victor Valdepenas who made his debut for the first team on the night with no other left-back available.

“As I said before, Valdepeñas made his debut and I congratulate him from here, not only for his debut but for the match he played. He competed and was very steady.”“Making your debut with Real Madrid is always a special day. We’re in this together,” he added.

Victor Valdepenas made his Real Madrid debut. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)

Alonso then urged his men to do better and keep up the momentum for the two games remaining in 2025.

“One match isn’t enough. Before the break, we have the Copa on Wednesday and then the last home match against Sevilla.”

“There’s a long way to go and it was an important moment, but we have to build on the good things we did today,” he added.

One touching moment in the game was when Vinicius Jr went over to hug the manager after assisting Rodrygo’s goal, and Alonso spoke about how it reflected the internal unity.“We’re all in this together. We’re fighting through the good times and the not-so-good times. Today, with the conditions we had, the team competed very well.”

“Unity is essential, it’s the only way that our day-to-day solidity will give us the improvement we want,” he added.

Finally, the coach commented on how winning away at Mendizorroza was massive for the dressing room in terms of providing a psychological boost.

“This is a very competitive ground. Alaves are playing with a lot of pace and intensity. We’ve seen a lot of their games and it was difficult to win here, but with different moments in the game.”

“Of course, we want more consistency and it’s very difficult to dominate the full 90 minutes in every game.

“Today we came here to win and the important thing was the three points. We’re leaving with them and now we’re thinking about the Copa,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website