Vinicius Sparks Madrid Victory as Alonso Emphasizes Grit Over Glitter

Match Overview

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso warned that facing Getafe demands readiness for a match that would hardly be pretty, and insisted his side knew how to compete and leave with three points despite the challenges.

AS reported that Alonso expressed complete satisfaction after the game in the press conference: “It wasn’t the prettiest match to play or to watch, but we enjoyed it in our own way.”

He added: “It was hard to create chances or find a rhythm due to the many stoppages. Coming to Getafe is never easy; you must know how to compete. You have to be ready for a game that might not be beautiful. It was a night to roll up the sleeves and work hard, but we earned the three points, and that’s the most important thing.”

He praised Turkish midfielder Arda Guler: “He has that special quality, when you need that extra touch in behind.”

He also addressed Mbappe’s performance: “We’re very happy with his goals, but there is a lot of work behind them, and the other players help him too.” He also cautioned his team after a moment of late complacency: “That should not happen when you are ahead against a nine-man opponent.”

Note: On Vinicius Junior, Alonso explained: “Vinicius had a big impact; we spoke this morning that he could be equally important whether he starts or comes on in the second half to change the game. And he did exactly that, drawing yellow cards and making the difference.”

About the right-flank combination with Rodrygo and Valverde: “This is not a surprise but an extra option. We saw today what they can offer thanks to the quality they have.”

Regarding Arda Guler and the midfield balance, Alonso praised Camavinga as well: “Camavinga delivered a complete performance. In the first half we controlled the game, especially on the left where Carreras, Camavinga, and Rodrygo behind Mario connected. We missed the final touch in the attacking third, but we reached those areas well. On a field like this you must win second balls, because Getafe relies on them, and we succeeded. They threatened mainly from set pieces; Camavinga played a great game.”

On the importance of the win before a decisive week: “It was a tough, challenging game. Getting to Getafe isn’t easy. You have to know how to compete. Maybe not the prettiest, but the team showed character and worked hard. We head into next week with positive energy.”

In terms of strategic balance, Alonso added: “Both Guler and Bellingham can play in midfield or behind the striker. Jude can drop deeper, and Arda can switch between roles. We have different patterns like Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Valverde, and Ceballos. Guler adds an extra touch when needed in depth or in linking the lines. When he has the ball and turns, he can find Vinicius or Mbappe in the right direction. We aim to strengthen these connections either in the pivot or on the wings, and with the quality of players we have, we can do that.”

Concluding the press conference, Alonso said: “I am still absorbing what happened today. The game demanded fighting, and we were ready for it. It wasn’t the prettiest to play or watch, but we achieved what we came for. From tomorrow, we’ll start thinking about Juventus.”

On Vinicius’s influence again: “Vinicius Junior had a big impact. We spoke this morning that he could be equally important whether he started or came on to change the game. He did precisely that, drawing a yellow card and making the difference, showing every player that he matters in the role he plays.”

On Alaba and Courtois: “Courtois is fine as far as I know. Alaba felt a tightness in his leg, not an injury, but we chose not to risk him. We will assess him tomorrow.”

On Courtois’ late save: “As soon as the moment ended I wasn’t very worried, but at that moment I wasn’t comfortable. Like I said, you cannot allow such moments when you are ahead with more players. We didn’t close spaces well or win the second ball, but the important thing is we left with the points.”

On Mbappe’s role, Alonso smiled: “I don’t see it as overreliance, but we are very happy with his form. He is decisive with goals and involvement, but teammates help him a lot. Goals win games, but behind them is a big team effort... and to avoid a sensational headline, I won’t say we depend on him (laugh).”

Finally, seeing Valverde and Rodrygo on the right is not surprising but adds another option: “We saw today what they can offer thanks to their quality.”

Punchline 1: If you want pretty football, visit a museum; tonight Real Madrid brought the grit they forgot to hang on the wall.

Punchline 2: Vinicius sprinted so fast that even the clock asked for a timeout.