Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is confident the team will bounce back from their poor run of form after dropping points for a third consecutive game in a 1-1 draw against Girona on Sunday.
Los Blancos were hoping to record a first win in three league matches, but could not overcome a resilient display from the home side as they dropped to second on the standings.
They won 10 of their first 11 league matches this season, but have now dropped points against Rayo Vallecano, Elche and now Girona to find themselves one point behind Barcelona, despite having a five-point gap at one point in the season.
Speaking after the stalemate, Alonso who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, believes his side will rediscover their ruthlessness soon.
“In the second half we improved, we had more chances. We weren’t clinical, to get the three points. But it’s a very long season, and we have to keep going.
There are different phases in a season. At the start [of the season], we were more consistent away from home”, the Spaniard admitted.
“The team was enthusiastic to come back at 1-0 down [at Girona]. We had three or four quite clear chances to score the second goal and win.”
The first half looked to be heading towards a goalless encounter until the home side took the lead on the stroke of halftime through Azzedine Ounahi.
Real Madrid were given a lifeline in the second half when a penalty kick was awarded for a foul by Hugo Rincon.
Kylian Mbappe confidently dispatched the resulting spot-kick to level the scoreline.
However, the away side were unable to find the winner despite dominating the remaining part of the match.
“I liked the reaction [to going behind]. It wasn’t enough, but we were close. We have to remain united, with the necessary self-criticism, wanting to win with so many games away from home”, he continued.
“We have a chance on Wednesday in Bilbao [against Athletic Club] and we’ll see.”
Real Madrid will face Athletic Bilbao in the league on Wednesday, while Girona are in action in the Copa Del Rey against Ourense.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
