Real Madrid joins after key victory: Mbappé leads, Alonso backs

Xabi Alonso Highlights the Importance of Real Madrid’s Victory Against Olympiacos

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s coach, has valued the 4-3 victory against Olympiacos in the Champions League as crucial to change the team’s dynamic. The triumph came after a three-match winless streak, which put pressure on the team and the coaching staff. Kylian Mbappé was the standout figure, scoring four goals, including a hat-trick in seven minutes. Vinícius Júnior contributed with two assists, solidifying Real Madrid in the group stage. The team arrived at the match in Greece after a defeat against Liverpool and draws against Rayo Vallecano and Elche, which generated criticism about Alonso’s tactics and rumors about the relationship with key players.

“Today it was important to change the dynamic,” Alonso declared to Movistar. “It was important in terms of classification [of the group stage], and because of the moment we are going through.”

Xabi Alonso

Alonso highlighted the team’s unity and the need to face a long and demanding season, where there will be different situations. The relationship between Alonso and Vinícius has been the subject of attention, with the forward being a substitute on several occasions and reacting angrily to a substitution in the Clásico.

“It’s a shame that [Vinicius]’s goal was disallowed,” commented Alonso in the post-match press conference. “We had talked about that type of play, it was a typical goal for him.”

Xabi Alonso

Alonso also praised Mbappé’s “personality” and “leadership”.

“The influence it has, those intangible things, are fundamental to making a team,” added Alonso.

Xabi Alonso

Mbappé is currently the top scorer in both LaLiga and the Champions League.

“There are things to improve, of course,” Mbappé told Movistar. “I know people talk a lot from the outside. It’s normal for people to talk when you play for Real Madrid. We have to protect the players, the coach, the staff. We are all in this together. I’m not going to say we’re against those on the outside, but we’re together. I know the fans are with us.”

Kylian Mbappé