Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has offered insight into his team’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash.
Speaking to reporters after the match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso admitted that his players were not mentally at their best, which contributed to the loss.
Goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland secured the win for Pep Guardiola’s side, despite an early strike from Rodrygo that had put Real Madrid ahead.
“It was a very competitive match with different phases. We started well with Rodrygo’s goal and created a few more chances,” Alonso said. “But when you are not fully sharp mentally, in ten minutes the game can turn. They scored from very little—a corner and a penalty.”
He added that the squad continued fighting despite their injury challenges. “The team pushed until the end and never gave up, despite all the difficulties we are dealing with, including injuries.”
Real Madrid now turn their attention to the weekend, when they will face Alavés away in their next LaLiga fixture.
