Xabi Alonso said everyone at Real Madrid is pulling in the right direction after they earned a morale-boosting 2-1 victory at Alaves in LaLiga.
Alonso's position has reportedly been discussed by the Madrid hierarchy just six months after he took the reins, but Saturday's victory at the Estadio de Mendizorroza eased the pressure on the former midfielder.
Kylian Mbappe put Los Blancos ahead in the first half, before Carlos Vicente levelled for Alaves just 43 seconds after stepping off the bench in the second half.
But Vinicius Junior teed up Rodrygo for the winner 14 minutes from time as Madrid moved back within four points of Barcelona at the top of the table.
Madrid had to work hard for the three points, accumulating 1.9 expected goals (xG) from 13 shots, compared to Alaves' figures of 1.4 xG and six shots.
"We are in this together, the team competed very well," Alonso said after full-time. "Unity is fundamental for us, it's the only way to give us solidity so we can make the improvements we want.
"We're very focused on what we're doing, and we're all together, preparing for a game every three days.
"We are all in this together. This dynamic has to continue; one game is not enough. There is a long way to go, so we have to have continuity."
Defender Valde made his debut for Madrid, with regular defensive starters Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras suspended.
At the age of 19 years and 55 days, he became the third-youngest defender to debut as a starter for Madrid this century, after Raphael Varane (18 years, 149 days) and Achraf Hakimi in 2017 (18 years, 331 days).
He became the first Madrid debutant to record five or more tackles and 12 or more duels (five and 12, respectively) in LaLiga since Isco had five tackles and 24 duels against Real Betis in August 2013.
For the most part, Alonso was impressed with Valde's performance, saying: "We conceded from the only action in which Valde struggled.
"I give the players a lot of credit for the victory, with many players out. Valde made his debut. I congratulate him on his debut and his performance."
Madrid visit third-tier Talavera in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, with Sevilla their next opponents in LaLiga three days later.
LesBleusSoumyadeep
2
Mbappe+Rodrygo= A perfect combo for Real Madrid's victories
fauzishma
1
when you win we are in this together when you loose am not leaving am here to stay🤣🤣🤣
Simpler02
2
The savior Rodrigo
sepblsyz
1
There’s no unity and play pattern moving forward… how could you put 11 men on the pitch to just play football without a definite pattern/tactics. Why still play Guler when it’s obvious he has lost form secondly Vini had no business remaining on the pitch as his only contribution throughout the 90mins was the assist. Nobody was marking and I am still in the dark on Rodrygo’ position on that pitch. Infact there was no midfield
bosabdersz
0
You people start insults Adar Guler
ketbdlstyz
0
Great submission
tooamnuy
0
as a football lover Real need rodrigo. better bench guler. reinforcement needed in defense. if vini play seriously no team will beat Real
Diwbcdkoy
0
rodrygo should play as 10 instead of that fool guler
MumbaRk
0
Alonso should go and sleep,what team did he won against and at what score?
u have nothing to talk about
Mokeinpst
2
I just hope that Rodrigo doesn't go for injury after signs of regaining his form. The injuries aren't helping the coach at all to stick to a starting lineup
nuzceknru
0
Alonso should go and sleep,what team did he won against and at what score?
Suwabmostu
0
Bro, this is some kind of positive of Madrid these days, there will be heart attacks every week 🤣🤣
Gear5OnePiece__Luffy
2
Alaves players played 90% Tikitaka against Real Madrid Bellingham and Arda Fuklar!!
LaminSaidy
1
Performance not really at the level required or expected for a club like Madrid,but patience is required. Xabi will definitely turn things around,and we need to consider the fact that some important players are out at the moment.