Xabi Alonso on Vini Jr’s frustration at being subbed in Real Madrid win | OneFootball

Real Madrid remained unbeaten in LaLiga after defeating Espanyol 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday (20th), during the fifth round, and now leads provisionally with a five-point advantage over Barcelona, ​​which faces Getafe on Sunday.

"It was a brighter victory than a convincing one. We controlled the game, without any situation that stressed us. We didn't concede any goals. Maybe it's not the most pleasant victory, but I like it," said coach Xabi Alonso in a press conference.

Real Madrid is now preparing for Tuesday's game against Levante, for the sixth round of the Spanish Championship.

Vini and Mastantuono's Frustration

Vinícius Junior left the field irritated after being substituted at the 32nd minute of the second half. Xabi Alonso explained his decision to take the Brazilian off the field.

"Today (Saturday) he didn't score. I thought bringing in players from the outside, as reinforcement, would be good. He and Franco (Mastantuono) were doing well, but the game started with more control. Maybe I substituted him when he was at his best, maybe I took him off a bit too early," admitted Alonso.

"Franco also left the field irritated. It happens to everyone. I'm happy with the performance of Vini and Franco. We needed reinforcement because the season is very long," added the Spaniard.

With the victory already secured, Alonso brought on Englishman Jude Bellingham, who played for the first time this season after shoulder surgery.

"It couldn't be better. The good thing is that we are increasingly finding the way to play that the coach wants, we are learning the concepts better. And, besides that, the results are coming. So it's idyllic," said Dani Carvajal to Movistar+ after the match.

"We are happy, the team played a complete match, we suffered very little. We knew they had 10 points out of 12 at the start of the championship. They seemed organized and intense (…) We came out as leaders, we remain on top. Mission accomplished," celebrated the Spanish full-back.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.