Alonso on Spanish Supercopa heartbreak: We lacked the finishing to step further

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso spoke to the media in a postgame press conference after the Spanish Super Cup final, where his side lost 3-2 to Barcelona.

Despite the loss, is this a day to be proud of the players? Was this week in Saudi Arabia a boost for the project? “There are mixed emotions. On the one hand, the disappointment of not winning the title. But also pride in how the team showed up. We competed until the end. The final was very even, with different phases. The team kept pushing and came very close.”

What was the idea behind your game plan? “The team showed great attitude and commitment. We knew there would be moments when we had to defend without the ball, to be resilient, maintain control, and stay convinced in what we were doing. In the first 30 minutes we barely conceded anything. A lot happened in a very short space of time. In the second half we built well down the left with Vini. Then, off a rebound, we conceded the 3–2. I was convinced we would have chances to equalize. We just lacked the finishing to take it to penalties.”

Did the team’s physical condition and the absences play a role? “No. We had the energy for that final push. Injuries are affecting our ability to maintain stability and manage workloads, but physically we finished strong.”

How did Vinicius finish the match, and what does the goal mean for him? “Vinicius was very good until the 85th minute. He asked to come off because of fatigue, there was a lot of humidity. He was a constant threat, the goal was spectacular, and he caused a lot of problems down his side. We’re not happy with the result, but we can take positives into the season. Now the most important thing is getting players back.”

What positives do you take from this tournament? “It’s a competition where you face two top opponents in a short space of time in the middle of the season. We’ll take the positives and move on to what’s next.”

How did you see Mbappé’s minutes? “Kylian was about to come on just before we conceded the 2–3. We wanted more threat, to connect with him between the lines and in behind. He gave us that later on. It’s unfortunate we were already behind, but we wanted to press with him in attack.”

Did you wait to bring him on because he wasn’t at 100 percent? “He wasn’t ready to start with the intensity the match required, and that’s why we made that decision.”

Before appearing in the press room, the Real Madrid coach spoke to Spanish channel Movistar Plus+.

Does it hurt more to lose like this? “It hurts either way, but it was a very even, highly competitive match, with moments for both teams and plenty of emotion. You’re left thinking about those last chances, two very clear ones. We were very close. It went down to the wire, and we have to congratulate Barça.”

Everything went crazy after the first hydration break… “Yes, a lot happened in the final 15 minutes. Up to that point we were controlling things well, having spells without the ball but creating the clearest chances of the first half, from Vini and Gon. Then, more from a turnover than organized play, we conceded the first goal. But the team kept competing and showing character. We went into halftime at 2–2, with so much happening in those 15 minutes. In the second half it was tight and very competitive. They had some fortune on that goal. We pushed to equalize, but it wasn’t to be.”

How did you see Vinicius’ night? “He had a great game, very dangerous. The goal was outstanding, and he did a lot of damage down the left. The team worked hard, we showed character, but it didn’t happen tonight.”

There was talk that a win would be a big emotional boost. What about a loss? “We have to turn the page as quickly as possible. It’s one match, one competition, and of the ones we’re playing, it’s the least important. Now it’s about looking ahead, getting players back, mentally as well, and moving forward.”

Did you speak with the president afterward? What did he say? “No, no. It was very quick.”