Valverde, Courtois react after Alaves 1-2 Real Madrid – ‘It was very important to win’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s narrow 2-1 victory over Alaves may not go down as a classic performance, but it was viewed as a turning point. 

After a difficult run of results and mounting pressure on the squad, the three points were seen as essential to restoring belief. 

Speaking after the match, club captain Federico Valverde offered an honest and revealing assessment of both the performance and the emotional state of the team.

Reflecting on the importance of the result in the wider context of the season, Valverde stressed, 

“After several difficult matches, it was very important to win to keep fighting in La Liga.” 

Praising his teammates

With Real Madrid arriving at Mendizorroza severely weakened by injuries and suspensions, Valverde praised the collective attitude shown by the players who were available. 

“With many players out due to injuries and suspensions, I think the team showed their pride today, with a desire to fight and battle. 

“We took three points from a very important ground,” he noted.

Speaking further, the midfielder broke down the match itself and the shift in momentum across the 90 minutes. 

“We knew we had to go out there to win, to fight for three crucial points to keep our La Liga hopes alive.” 

Playing through injury

Valverde also revealed that his contribution came despite physical issues. Admitting that he was not operating at full fitness, he openly stated, 

Thibaut Courtois was self-critical. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“The team needed me,” before expanding on the responsibility he felt as captain during a turbulent spell. 

As he put it, “After several defeats, the team needed to win, and I, as captain, had to take charge as the person primarily responsible when things aren’t going well.

“Today was a great game to change that dynamic.”

Courtois’ analysis

Another key voice after the match was Thibaut Courtois, who quietly reached the milestone of 200 wins with Real Madrid. 

The goalkeeper focused on the result rather than the performance, explaining, “It’s a very important victory. 

“The game wasn’t our best, but the important thing was to win and get the three points.”

Courtois was also asked about the controversial moment involving Vinicius Jr. and a penalty appeal. From his distant viewpoint, he shared his interpretation of the incident, saying, 

“I’m far away, but of course, there’s contact from a player.

“The referee said that for him, the contact was slight and that’s why he didn’t blow the whistle, but Vini was coming in at high speed and dribbling quickly. 

“For me, it’s a foul. It’s one thing to be in the box and get touched a little, but when you’re going at that speed, a slight touch is enough to knock you down. 

“I was surprised, but I’m happy because we won and that penalty wasn’t decisive,” he explained.