Rodrygo explains the hug with Alonso and the tiny details that could swing the City clash

Match emotions and Alonso hug spotlight

Rodrygo, Real Madrid's winger, admitted feeling frustrated after the 1-2 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday night, noting that a strong first half performance wasn't enough to secure a positive result.

Speaking to Movistar, he said the team left the pitch deeply discouraged. We started the first half brilliantly and scored, but we couldn't maintain the rhythm. We need to improve.

He added that mistakes at set-pieces were decisive in the result, highlighting how these details often decide the fate of big matches.

He continued that these games are decided by small details. We trained a lot on set-pieces, but things can change during the match.

Rodrygo spoke about his return to scoring, saying the goal was personally important. He said he needed the goal, always tries to score and help the team. Sometimes players go through tough spells, and he hopes this marks the start of restoring his best form.

He also commented on the hug with coach Xabi Alonso after the game, stressing that the team backs its manager despite tough circumstances.

He added that Alonso is going through a tough moment too and that they stand with their coach; many things are said, but unity is needed to move forward.

Regarding the whistles from the Bernabéu crowd, Rodrygo said they were a natural reaction: This is a club and fans who demand a lot. It's fair and we must accept it.

Punchline 1: If football were a sniper's sport, Rodrygo's aim would be precise — just need to learn to hit the target more often at the scoreboard.

Punchline 2: And yes, Alonso is the coach with the best scope: he finds the target, reloads with coffee, and still calls for more discipline. The crowd might whistle, but he shoots for unity.