Madrid’s Reset Button: Alonso Praises Discipline as Mbappé and Mastantuono Sidelined
5 October 2025
Alonso: Madrid’s focus and discipline shine as injuries surface
Real Madrid extended their stay at the La Liga summit with a 3-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, a result that helped them rebound from a painful derby defeat and find balance. Xabi Alonso, Madrid’s coach, expressed satisfaction with the team’s seriousness and the level of discipline shown throughout the 90 minutes.
With eight games played, Madrid sit on 21 points, temporarily leading the table, two clear of Barcelona who have one game in hand. Villarreal sit third on 16 points after their second defeat of the campaign.
Madrid’s goals came from Vinícius Júnior, who struck twice—one from a penalty at 47 minutes and another at 69—before Kylian Mbappé sealed the result in the 81st minute.
Alonso praised the performance, noting the squad’s seriousness and balance, and their patience to wait for the right moment to hurt their rivals. He highlighted Vinícius’s all-around contribution and Mbappé’s continued goal threat, saying the victory brings a sense of calm ahead of the international break.
The post-match press conference also addressed Fede Valverde’s position on the pitch. Some comments had been interpreted as a reluctance to play as a right-back, but Alonso clarified that Valverde is a versatile asset who is always ready to adapt wherever the team needs him. He emphasized the mutual trust between the staff and players.
From a tactical standpoint, Alonso described a challenging yet controlled game. Madrid dominated possession and pressed aggressively when out of possession, creating high-pressure moments in dangerous zones and showing finishing prowess when opportunities arrived. He noted the first goal came a touch later, but the team stayed focused, and late goals in the second half sealed the win.
Regarding injuries, Alonso revealed that Mbappé was dealing with a minor ankle issue and Franco Mastantuono had a hamstring disappointment. Both players will be monitored during the international break, with hopes that the issues won’t worsen.
In closing, Alonso stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and intensity across the squad as the season progresses. He praised the collective effort and highlighted how unity and tactical discipline underpin Madrid’s growing rhythm on the pitch.
Vinícius Júnior’s brace drew special praise, with Alonso saying the winger didn’t just score—he created chances and energized the team. Mbappé’s goal kept Madrid’s attack potent, and their budding chemistry is shaping the club’s attacking tempo.
On Jude Bellingham, Alonso indicated the English forward is steadily returning to peak fitness, with two more weeks of work after the break expected to push him into top form by October.
When asked about the penalty switch from Mbappé to Vinícius, Alonso suggested it was a matter of on-field teamwork rather than individual ego, a clear sign of the squad’s unity. He also downplayed controversy, noting that there’s no use engaging in excessive referee debate.
And if you’re wondering about time travel, Alonso hinted that any hindsight on past Madrid derbies would have to wait—the present win already feels pretty good.
