Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso expressed continued confidence despite a disappointing 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Girona, which marked the club’s third consecutive league draw and saw them forfeit the La Liga lead to Barcelona.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso remains optimistic about his side’s title chances, despite their recent form which has seen the team drop points in three successive La Liga matches following a tame 1-1 draw against Girona.
The result, secured only by a Kylian Mbappé penalty, means Los Blancos have now fallen one point behind Barcelona in the league standings.
According to a report from Madrid Universal, Alonso spoke to the press shortly after the game, acknowledging areas for improvement while emphasizing the long-term view of the campaign.
He admitted there was an improvement, particularly in the second half:
“I think there was an improvement, especially in the second half. We pushed harder and created more chances. We lacked a bit of accuracy with the chances we had to take all three points.”
Despite the growing concerns over the team’s form, Alonso maintained a calm perspective on the title race.
He insisted: “But we’re still in it, it’s all very close. It’s a long season and we have to keep going.”
The manager noted the team’s desire to overturn the 1-0 deficit, stating, “The team had the desire to turn the 1-0 deficit around. We had three or four clear chances inside the area to score the second goal and win.”
When quizzed on a late penalty shout for a foul on Rodrygo, Alonso said, “I didn’t see it, but I’ve been told that it was a play that could have been reviewed by VAR because of the contact.”
He called such moments “decisive plays that can change the game.”
Looking ahead to the next match, he concluded that the away trip to Bilbao on Wednesday is “an opportunity to win away from home again.”