Alonso talks Vinicius, Mbappe, Bellingham, Asencio, Mastantuono after Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured their sixth win of the season – fifth in La Liga – earlier today when they defeated RCD Espanyol 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Eder Militao opened the scoring for Los Blancos with a wonderstrike from distance before another golazo from Kylian Mbappe in the second half secured all three points for Real Madrid.

The result meant that Real Madrid extend their 100% winning start to the season, and will retain the top spot in the La Liga table irrespective of results elsewhere.

Alonso analyses win

Xabi Alonso spoke to the media in the mixed zone after the game, where he analysed his team’s performance.

“It was a convincing victory. The team played with seriousness, stability, and composure. Perhaps they lacked a bit of brilliance in the final third, a bit more creation… but the team was serious, without any difficulties,” said the Real Madrid boss.

“It’s an important victory for continued growth, and now we’re looking ahead to Tuesday.”

Talking about the two brilliant goals scored by his players today, Alonso added: “Well, against low blocks, you have to shoot from outside. When there’s little space, you have to progress quickly.

“Mili’s was very good, and Kylian’s, a transition that Vini brought very well and in which he knew how to choose. We’re making progress.”

When asked about what he was looking for from the starting lineup, wherein he went with a 4-2-4 shape today, Alonso explained:

“Creating chances, maintaining presence in the box, combining different movements: from width to mobility. Aurélien and Fede played a very serious game, controlling the game.”

Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga came on in the dying moments of the game to make their first appearances of the season.

“It’s great news for everyone. First for them, then for the team. We need them. They’re top players, and for the upcoming season, we need everyone. Now we’ll have more options,” Alonso said about the pair’s return from injury.

Alonso’s press conference

Soon after, Alonso appeared at the press conference, where he discussed a plethora of topics, including Vinicius Jr.’s angry reaction at being substituted.

Kicking things off, though, Alonso praised the team’s performance in the win, saying: “It was a brilliant rather than a solid victory. We were controlled, without any stressful situations. We didn’t concede any goals.

“Maybe it wasn’t the most enjoyable victory, but I like it. We controlled the second half well from the 2-0 up. A victory that will allow us to continue growing.”

Six wins in six for Alonso and Real Madrid this season. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

On where he sees Bellingham playing in this Real Madrid team, the manager explained:

“That’s his position. An attacking midfielder who can play alongside forwards and midfielders. The more we find him, the better we’ll do. The team at the World Cup was very different.”

Alonso then discussed Vinicius’ performance, acknowledging that he might have taken him off a bit too early, but explained his decision, saying:

“He lacked goalscoring today. I thought bringing in players on the outside, as a substitute, would be good. He and Franco were good, but the game needed more control.

“Maybe I substituted him when he was at his best, maybe I substituted him a little too early….”

On the Brazilian’s angry reaction at being substituted, the manager said: “Franco also left angry. It happens to everyone. I’m happy with Vini and Franco’s performance. We needed a refresher because the season is so long.”

The manager was also full of praise for Raul Asencio, who looked like his old self after a forgettable Club World Cup.

“He had a great performance. It was important to put what happened at the World Cup behind us. Raúl, like David and Fran, who couldn’t play, was ready. He played a very serious game. We knew what he was going to face,” Alonso said.

On whether Bellingham’s return might affect Arda Guler, the Real Madrid boss stated:  “They can both play in similar positions, but they can play together like they did at the World Cup. I have that in mind.

“They combine quite well. Arda can drop back a little more to link up with him, like with Fede or Tchouameni.”

Alonso also hailed Franco Mastantuono for how quickly he has adapted, saying: “I think in the position he plays, we need that type of player. On the left, we have more verticality. As long as he performs, he’ll play. I see him doing well, eager to score that first goal.”

Regarding the two goals coming from long shots, Alonso said: “The players have to shoot; against such low blocks, it’s a good solution.

“Espanyol sat back, waiting for a counterattack; we had to prepare for the game like that. We moved around more quickly in the first half.”

Discussing Kylian Mbappe’s performance and the defensive work he has been putting in, Alonso noted:

“Today he played in a more different role, as a playmaker. We talked about the responsibility he had to be closer to Urko. On Dmitrovic’s long balls, that superiority was important.

“Kylian understands football very well. Today, in his role, in a different position, as a second striker, he did very well.”

Source: AS