Xabi Alonso says Real Madrid want to start 2026 "on a better note", after rounding off 2025 with victory over Sevilla.
Los Blancos were 2-0 winners at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, after goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe moved them within a point of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, who play Villarreal on Sunday.
Though Madrid are firmly in the title mix, Alonso has come under scrutiny in recent weeks for his side's style of play, and his job was reportedly at risk before Madrid beat Alaves on December 14.
The head coach acknowledged the hosts were not at their best against Sevilla, and that they must improve their levels heading into 2026.
"I don't want to make headlines," he said. "We know where we are right now. We're self-critical and know we need to play better; this isn't our level, and we can do better.
"We're going to take some time to analyse and reflect. We had to win. It was a tough situation. We know we can do better. And we want to start the year off on a better note."
Though Madrid were not firing on all cylinders, Mbappe managed to notch his 59th goal of 2025 – equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's club-record tally in a calendar year (2013).
Only Lionel Messi (79 for Barca in 2012) has netted more goals in one year for a club in Europe's top five leagues across all competitions than the France skipper, who has averaged a goal every 83 minutes in 2025.
"He always wants to make an impact, which is great for his team-mates," Alonso added of Mbappe.
"It's a historic achievement; I congratulate him on it and wish him the best for 2026."
Emmysomto
0
Everyone else though. coach not good to be sincere
anishdhume
0
n ,9
Oussama_gb
1
Valverde & camavinga are great jokers
puzampyz
0
Only if that useless President can sign two more players on January transfer window eg Schlotterbeck n Olise
Wembcilsu
0
Dreams are for free
Vayabemnop
1
when you hear people talk trash of xievi Alonso then you know that they don't really know what they are talking about. for me,as a madridista, I know that Alonso is to be blamed for parts of Madrid FC problems but certainly not all of the problems in Madrid is cause by Alonso. The greatest blame should go to the Madrid board members for not signing defensive midfielders for Alonso.
yes of course really
dahbcdklsy
1
when you hear people talk trash of xievi Alonso then you know that they don't really know what they are talking about. for me,as a madridista, I know that Alonso is to be blamed for parts of Madrid FC problems but certainly not all of the problems in Madrid is cause by Alonso. The greatest blame should go to the Madrid board members for not signing defensive midfielders for Alonso.
wimbdetu
1
sell vini keep endrick and give the youths mins
Benit007
0
Without you please
dansumaila
0
nice talk
RuggedEvangelist
0
Good
nuscdmopuy
0
Xabi needed a lot of experience before joining the galacticos. He should have coached two more clubs.
nuscdmopuy
1
Xabi must swallow his pride and start selecting players on merit
neknoryz
0
WITHOUT YOU 🙏
fomabeksy
1
I don’t care about what Alonso said we are watching the game like a stranger. Alonso won’t do nothing better. Because he is an average coach. He doesn’t know what to do sorry about him . He needs to move out ok
zidcdiopst
0
Wunna buy players nahh, Weti be this
Tahir_yahnat
1
SO, you can able to play Mbappe,Haaland,Kane On the same team
67957meyer
2
Madrid need to win all her matches in 2026