Real Madrid pulled off a convincing 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty last night in the UEFA Champions League, continuing their winning run in the competition and making it six points after two games.
Entering the game after a thumping defeat in the Madrid derby and a long journey to Kazakhstan, it was unclear what to expect from Los Blancos on the night.
Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick and goals from Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz, however, sealed the hosts’ fate and brought home a much-needed convincing Victory.
Speaking to the media after the game, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso commented on his team’s massive performance on the night and how it was vital to keep moving with the same momentum.
"We came with the clear goal of winning the game. It’s the Champions League and we wanted a good start. We have six out of six and the next goal is Juve at home."
"We scored five goals, goal achieved, and good game. The players have been serious and doing things right. We’re back thinking about Villarreal," he added.
The manager then praised the hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe and the stunning goalscoring form he has been in all season.
" Mbappe is at a time when he is decisive in all matches. He has that effectiveness and is clinical in front of the goal. We have to link up well with him."
"In the derby, he scored a spectacular goal and we need his quality to flourish."
"I am very happy for his goals and also for the positive influence on his teammates. He is getting involved in the work and can have a spectacular season," he added.
Real Madrid did not start well on the night with Kairat Almaty seemingly putting pressure on them especially in midfield and Alonso accepted the reality.
"We’ve been a little uncomfortable. They have squeezed us hand in hand, but when we linked up with Arda we found those above and there were good situations to unbalance their pressure. At first, we were a little surprised."
The Real Madrid coach then praised the opponents, who are playing for the first time in the UCL, for their level and quality.
"They are deservedly in the Champions League. We have had a spectacular reception and I wish you all the best."
"We were coming to what we were coming for, but from now on I wish you good luck," he added.
Alonso then went on to heavily praise Arda Guler who once again pulled the strings from midfield for Los Blancos and created attacking opening after opening.
"He’s playing as a midfielder to exploit his quality. He is in intermediate mode behind to connect with Mbappe."
"He scores goals and has the quality for the last pass. Today he has also turned very well in the center of the field," he added.
Handing praise to the substitutes – Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz – who arrived and converted the win into a rampage, the manager said,
"The players who have entered with 0-2 have done so with good energy. Brahim, too. Happy with his goal."
Federico Valverde was dropped from the starting lineup on the night, and Alonso defended his decision of benching the mainstay saying,
"It’s a decision that was made. He is always willing to play where he is needed. He is very generous and predisposed."
"The match was decided in the second half and the squad had to be rotated because both he and C arreras saw a sequence of continuous games."
Vinicius Jr. was asked to leave the field to be substituted in the 70th minute and was not happy with the decision. Speaking on whether the player was angry with the decision, Alonso calmly said,
"You always have to manage anger and control it. So far nothing has happened. Vini Jr. has not complained. It was a comment that wasn’t going there."
Finally, the manager praised the city and spoke on how the team would have loved to roam and explore the new country given the chance.
"If I had time I would like to get to know the city more. We go to the airport, the hotel, and the countryside. Little else."