Real Madrid manager urges players to “turn the page” as soon as possible
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso believes his side were unlucky to lose the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona in Jedda on Sunday.
First-half strikes from Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia cancelled out goals from Barcelona’s Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, before Raphinha secured a late winner to seal the trophy for his side. The Brazilian managed to get a shot away while slipping, and it deflected off the foot of Raul Asencio to wrong-foot Thibaut Courtois. Madrid rallied in the dying stages but were unable to conjure up a third equaliser.
“It’s clear that it was an even match, very competitive, with moments for both sides and exciting,” Alonso said. “You’re left with the feeling that we had two clear chances and were close to equalising.
“The team fought hard throughout, they competed. The second half was very competitive, very close, and they were lucky with that [Raphinha] goal. It wasn’t to be.”
Vinicius’ goal ended a run of 16 games without scoring for Madrid, and 19 for club and country, but the Brazilian’s strike showed his quality. Driving down the left and cutting in, he wove through Barcelona bodies in the box before slipping his finish under goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Alonso, who has backed the player to return to goalscoring form, hailed him as “unstoppable”.
Asked what the next steps for Madrid should be, Alonso said: “Turn the page as soon as possible. It’s one game, and it’s the least important competition we have. Now we have to look ahead, get people back, and get our spirits back.”
