Manager praises “complete” Bellingham and brilliant Guler after a hard-fought 1-0 victory completes perfect Champions League start.
In a tactical battle that felt like a European classic, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Juventus on Wednesday, making it three wins from three in the Champions League. The win, sealed by a Jude Bellingham goal, was a testament to the team’s resilience under their manager, providing the ideal momentum boost ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona.
After the match, Alonso emphasized that his team had to earn every bit of the result. “We knew it would be a hard-fought game,” he told reporters. “There are no easy wins in the Champions League, especially against a European giant like Juventus.”
He praised his squad’s ability to manage the game, particularly in the tense final moments. “They asked a lot of questions, but this is the level. Knowing what to do in each moment, and enjoying it even when you’re forced to dig in, is part of the game.”
Spotlight on Key Performers
The manager was full of praise for his match-winner, Jude Bellingham, describing his performance as “really complete.”
“Regardless of the goal, it was a brilliant performance from him,” Alonso said. “He’s got the ability to build the play and the determination to get on the end of it. He’s one of the most complete players in world football, and he’s hungry to win, to score, and to improve.”
Alonso also shone a light on young Arda Guler, named Man of the Match, whose creative flair delighted the Bernabéu. “He brings a wonderful clarity to the game,” Alonso said, comparing Guler’s joyful style to his former charge, Florian Wirtz. “He’s a wonderful player, and when you see him start to enjoy himself, often what I have to say makes little difference.”
A Candid Look at the Challenges
Despite the clean sheet, Alonso was candid about his team’s need for improvement at the back, acknowledging that Juventus found dangerous spaces behind the defensive line. “In the first ten minutes, we were disorganised,” he admitted. “We’re aware of the mistake, and we’ll fix it.”
With the monumental clash against Barcelona now just days away, the victory gives Alonso a near-perfect platform. When directly asked about the availability of defender Dean Huijsen for El Clásico, the manager offered a characteristically poised and cryptic response, keeping his cards close to his chest: “I’ll let you know on Saturday.”
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