Xabi Alonso faced the press at Anfield after Real Madrid fell to Liverpool on Champions League matchday four. The Spanish coach acknowledged the high intensity of the game, emphasising that his side competed but fell short in key moments.
“It was a demanding, high-tempo match,” the gaffer said after the match. “We competed well, but we lacked a cutting edge. The first half was even, and in the second, it came down to small details. We started conceding a lot of fouls and a few corners. Courtois kept us in check.
“Their goal gave them the advantage, and we struggled a bit after that. I can’t fault the team at all. We tried. It’s the first phase of the Champions League; we can recover these points, and we have to focus on what’s next.”
Alonso pointed to the atmosphere and pressure inside Anfield as factors. He stressed Real Madrid must stay composed and avoid giving away set-piece opportunities when the crowd pushes Liverpool forward.
“We have to learn that when they put you under pressure, which can happen with the energy of their fans, you can’t give away fouls or corners. We lacked creativity. It was an intense match.
“At the start of the second half, we conceded the most chances and gave them the most opportunities. It’s avoidable. We wanted to be further up the pitch, and they have good set-piece takers and finishers. They created a lot of chances because we gave away too many fouls.”
The manager rejected the idea that his team suffers inconsistent form. Instead, he highlighted their need to maintain standards across all competitions.
He added: “I don’t think we have peaks and troughs. The match at the Metropolitano wasn’t a good one, but we have to be consistent with our approach and our standards. Today was a demanding match, and we have to be careful with those fouls because that’s where the game can slip away, as happened.
“We want to be consistent, and I don’t think we have peaks and troughs. It was an even, competitive match, and we have to learn from this game.”
Los Blancos now turn their attention to domestic action, aiming to bounce back immediately and tighten their grip on their season goals. With Alonso calling for composure and consistency, the focus shifts quickly to the response rather than the setback.
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