Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso lauds team's motivation after El Clasico win

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has lauded his team’s outstanding performance in Sunday’s El Clásico victory over arch-rivals Barcelona, following their 2-1 triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Alonso claimed his first El Clasico win as Los Blancos manager in his first season at the Spanish capital, which takes them five clear points top of the La Liga standings.

The Spanish manager, Alonso, was excited to get a victory over a team he knew too well during his days as a former player for the 15-time Champions League winners.

Addressing the press after that crucial victory at the Bernabeu, the 43-year-old manager discussed the team’s pre-match motivation. This win came after enduring four consecutive losses in the same fixture under former boss Carlo Ancelotti last season.

“The team was very motivated. Before the game, we talked about how important it was, not only to get the three points but also to see where we were coming from and what we wanted to be.

I’m very happy for the lads because they needed the feeling of winning a big game like this Clásico.

“The motivation was total. It’s not just the three points; it’s a victory with added significance. Even so, it’s early days and we have a lot of work to do.

“We wanted to feel good, and that’s how it turned out. For the future, we need the same feelings we had today.”

Alonso also highlighted the critical importance of having injured players return for one of the season’s most important matches—arguably the most significant fixture in every Real Madrid manager’s career.

“We had a lot of players back for this match, and we countered our opponents really well. The team was very solid defensively, although the goal came from us losing the ball. We created a lot of chances up front.

“The team’s energy, conviction and competitiveness were important. We’re leaving the stadium very happy, and I saw the lads and the fans enjoying themselves.

“There was a very good connection, and it was important for the fans to see their team compete and win in a big game.

“They enjoyed everything, and that’s what we need. This project is just getting started, but the connection with the Bernabéu is fundamental and I noticed it today.”