“There Are No Excuses”: Xabi Alonso Reacts After Real Madrid’s 1st Defeat vs Atletico
- Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is unimpressed with the performance of his player during the derby match on Saturday evening, September 27
- Los Blancos lost 5-2 to Atletico Madrid at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano, condemning them to their first defeat of the season
- Alonso had previously warned the players against complacency ahead of the crucial match
Atletico Madrid condemned Real Madrid to their first defeat in the 2025/26 La Liga season on Saturday evening, September 27.
Diego Simeone's side took the lead in the 14th minute through Le Normand's header before France international Kylian Mbappe equalised for Real Madrid in the 25th minute.
Source: Getty Images
In the 36th minute, Arda Guler gave Madrid the lead as he converted an assist from Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. During the stoppage time of the first half, Alexander Sorloth levelled up for the home team to keep the fight alive.
The host began their second half on a brighter note as Julian Alvarez, who had hit the crossbar in the first half, converted a spot kick to make it 3-2 in the 51st minute.
Alvarez scored his first brace of the season after curling home a beautiful free kick in the 63rd minute. Antoine Griezmann grabbed the fifth goal for Atletico during the stoppage time.
Atletico Madrid are scoring five goals against Real for the first time in over 70 years. The last time Atletico won with such a margin was in November 1950, when they won 6-3, per Real Madrid official website.
What did Alonso say?
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said the players had no excuse to lose the Madrid derby.
According to Football Espana, the former Bayern Munich coach explained that Los Blancos are still building a team for the future.
Source: Getty Images
He said the players have learnt from the match not to underestimate any opponents. Alonso said:
"The match against Atletico was a bad game for us. The players did not start well and did not play well collectively; we failed to perform at the required level with and without the ball.
"I am still building the team and this is out first defeat; it is not over yet. We need to learn from this for the future. We're hurting because it was a deserved defeat. We missed a gear and the defeat hurts," per Real Madrid official website.
Fans react
@MahmudulMubin44 said:
"I thought we are getting better with buildup untill this game, Against your first good opposition in the first half Real madrid couldn’t defend the first line press.
"Then What's the point of xabi alonso's 120 days work? We are same and more nervous Against any good press?"
@defimhamad wrote:
"Man we move on, but acknowledge that Courtois isnt him anymore, and find a solution for crosses and set pieces."
@tipsterra added:
"Respect for owning it. Tough losses happen to even the best managers, it's how you bounce back that matters."
Cat predicts Atletico v Real Madrid
Legit.ng earlier reported that footage shows how the cat predicted the winner of the La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Two bowls labelled with each team were presented, peeping at the bowl marked Real Madrid, and feline paused at the bowl labelled with a draw, sniffing it. The cat, however, proceeded to eat from the bowl labelled Atletico Madrid.
Source: Legit.ng
