Xabi Alonso talks Bellingham, Guler, Courtois, Miliato, El Clasico after Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus

Real Madrid largely dominated their game against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League last night and managed to take away a 1-0 win, thus securing all three points in the gruelling fixture.

The Bianconeri were no easy team to get past, but Los Blancos persevered and created multiple chances. Ultimately, it was Jude Bellingham who netted the winner.

Los Blancos now have nine out of a possible nine points in the competition and enter El Clásico in great form. After all, it was an all-round performance that helped secure the win.

Speaking to the media after the game, Xabi Alonso gave his two cents on the performance, the result and the difficult game at the weekend among other topics.

He began by outlining how Juventus made it difficult for his side last night and how the game was as complicated as expected.

“We knew it would be a hard-fought game and there were certainly moments. In the first half, we struggled to really get into the game early on but we settled into it as time went by.”

“We came out brilliantly after the break and we enjoyed our best spell after the goal. We had some great moves and we could have put the game to bed with several chances,” he added.

He then praised Courtois for keeping the team in the game, saying,

Thibaut Courtois kept a clean sheet. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Then we’ve got a wonderful goalkeeper who has the quality to stand up when it matters on Champions League nights. 1-0, three points, nine from nine, and we’re happy.”

Having just a one-goal lead, Real Madrid were forced to work hard and defend in the dying minutes of the game as Juventus looked to pull an equaliser. Speaking on that, the manager said,

“In the last few minutes we were 1-0 up and we had to defend the result. Juve threw people forward, they put the pressure on and had three forwards on the last line of defence.”

“They asked a lot of questions but this is the Champions League and there are no easy wins. Juve are a European giant.

“ There is a time for everything. Knowing what to do in each moment and enjoying it even when you’re forced to dig in as a team is to be expected,” he added.

Arda Guler was named the man of the match last night and the coach was full of praise for the young Turk.

“Arda is in the process of improving every aspect of his game because he’s 20 years old and has made about 30 appearances for Madrid. At his age, with the quality he has, we have to support him.”

“He can improve in his decision-making, the press so he doesn’t do too much, but he’s got so many positives.

“ He brings clarity to the game, when he’s heavily involved he brings a better dynamic to the collective play,” he added on where he can improve.

Alonso also opened up on what he expected of Guler in terms of his position on the field, to which he said,

Arda Guler has been sensational for Real Madrid . (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Where does he play? That will depend on the demands of each game. I’m delighted with how he’s progressing, but we want more.”

“He really enjoys playing football and when he feels comfortable, he wants to get on the ball and be involved.

“ Last year, I had Wirtz, and I get the same kind of feeling with Arda,” he added on Guler’s versatility.

“He’s a wonderful player and he’s playing at an incredible level. When you see him start to enjoy himself, often what I have to say makes little difference,” he noted.

The manager then praised Jude Bellingham who scored the match-winning goal and made a difference on the night.

“Regardless of the goal, it was a really complete performance from him. It was a difficult game, with very little space, but I was really impressed with him against Getafe, and again today.”

“Then he got the goal as well. I’m thrilled with him, but especially with how he won the ball back time and again, and took up good positions in the box. I’m really pleased for him,” he added.

Jude Bellingham scored the winner against Juventus. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Elaborating on what makes Bellingham special and different compared to other midfielders, the manager bluntly said,

“He’s got the ability to be involved in building the play, and the determination to get to the end of things too.

He covers a lot of ground and he’s so versatile. He knows how to break from the second line and he’s got that hunger to score goals.”

“He’s one of the most complete players in world football and I’m fortunate to have him here.

“ I ask him to take on a key role and get involved in the game. He’s hungry to win, to score goals and to improve,” he added.

Real Madrid’s defence on the night was often caught out of position with Juventus finding routes to enter behind the back-line. When asked if the line was too high, Alonso said,

“In the first ten minutes, we couldn’t get things right, we were disorganised. In the second half, when Vlahović got his chance, it was the same mistake, but we’re aware of it and we’ll fix it. It was a lack of balance that shouldn’t be happening.”

The manager also expressed his satisfaction with Eder Militao and the player’s level, stating how he has become a critical member of the XI.

“Having Militao back at this level is great news for everyone. We see the incredible performances he’s delivering in every game and it’s really important that he’s finding his form again.”

“He’s feeling more powerful and determined in what he’s doing all the time. He’ll keep getting better too,” he added.

Alonso, however, refused to provide an update on Dean Huijsen and his availability for El Clásico.

“On Huijsen, I’ll let you know on Saturday.”

Real Madrid will not focus on the El Clasico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Looking ahead to the weekend’s Clasico, the manager was positive about his team’s momentum and chances against a tricky opposition.

“We are where we are, and we’re in good shape. We’ll see what happens on Sunday. We have to recover well tomorrow and then prepare for the game.”

“We’re on an upward trajectory and it’s a positive thing. The Clásico is hugely significant, because of the game itself, the league table, and the repercussions,” he added.

When asked if his side must give extra on the field in a Clásico compared to other games, the coach said,

“We understand the significance of Sunday’s game, but we’re not going to read too much into it. We know it’s hugely important and we’ll treat it as such.”

“It’s too early to be decisive in the league, but of course, it has an impact in the moment. It’s a red-letter day on the calendar, for sure.

“ We haven’t spoken too much about it so far, but we will do so starting now,” he concluded.

Source: Real Madrid website