Alonso Reacts to Referee Decision: “I’m Not Surprised, the Season Is Still Long”

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso expressed his satisfaction after his side’s 2-1 La Liga victory over Deportivo Alavés at the demanding Mendizorrotza Stadium, describing the match as highly competitive and physically intense. Alonso praised his team’s strong start in both halves and highlighted their resilience despite losing control at certain moments and dealing with several absences and suspensions. He emphasized the importance of unity and fighting spirit, noting that the winning goal secured three vital points against an aggressive opponent known for its high tempo. The coach also commended debutant Valdepeñas for his composed performance, calling his first appearance for Real Madrid a special moment and a positive sign for the squad’s depth.

Alonso did not hide his frustration over the unawarded penalty on Vinícius Júnior, insisting the incident was a clear foul and expressing surprise that VAR was not consulted. While acknowledging recent inconsistencies, including a disappointing result against Celta Vigo, he stressed that the team showed encouraging signs that must be maintained to remain competitive in La Liga. The Spanish coach underlined that consistency and stability are essential as Real Madrid face a congested schedule, with upcoming cup action followed by a league clash against Sevilla. Alonso concluded by reaffirming the team’s focus on continuous improvement, stating that while the season is long, victories like this one can serve as a crucial turning point.