Manager says result disappointing but his side competed well
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso insists his side put in a good performance against Liverpool despite losing 1-0 at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header was enough to hand the Premier League side victory at Anfield, ending Madrid’s unbeaten run in Europe this season. While Madrid had more of the ball, Liverpool created far more chances and could have won by a wider margin without the heroics of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
But Alonso rejected suggestions that his side did not rise to the occasion.
“No, I don’t have that feeling,” said Alonso. “I think we competed well. Thibaut kept us in it, the goal gave them the advantage, but I can’t criticise the team.
“We leave with a bad taste in our mouths because of the defeat, but we have to keep going.”
The result marked only the second time Madrid have dropped points this season with 15 games played, the other being their heavy 5-2 loss to Atletico in the Madrid derby.
“There are different ways of losing,” said Alonso. “Today’s game is very different to the one at the Metropolitano. Today we gave everything, competed, the attitude was good. We lacked some things we should improve.”
Midfielder Jude Bellingham said Liverpool were marginally better and called for his side to stay focused.
“I think they slightly edged it,” Bellingham said. “They brought a bit more in the second half, and they’re really dangerous from set pieces.
“It’s still really early in the season. We were a lot worse off last year and managed to get through. We can’t let this ruin what we’re doing.”
