Manager Xabi Alonso expressed his disappointment after Real Madrid faced a significant 5-2 defeat against Atlético Madrid in the derby held on September 30, 2023. The loss marked the first setback of the season for Madrid, who had previously won all six of their La Liga matches. Alonso acknowledged the team’s poor performance, stating, “This defeat hurts,” and emphasized the need for a strong response going forward.
The match, held at the Metropolitano Stadium, saw an explosive first half, ending in a 2-2 tie at halftime. Robin Le Normand opened the scoring for Atlético, while Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler quickly turned the tide for Madrid. Alexander Sørloth leveled the score right before the break, setting up a thrilling second half.
In the second half, Atlético gained momentum. Julián Álvarez converted a penalty and later scored from a free kick, putting Atlético ahead. A late goal from substitute Antoine Griezmann sealed the victory for the home side.
Alonso reflected on the game during the post-match news conference, stating, “We didn’t play well collectively, with or without the ball. We weren’t at the level we need to be at.” He recognized that the team is currently in a “construction phase” and must learn from this defeat. He added that there are no excuses for the lack of performance, citing a need for improvement in competing for the ball and winning duels.
Despite their strong start to the season, Madrid struggled against Atlético’s tactics. Alonso remarked, “We weren’t fluid with the ball… We couldn’t impose ourselves in the duels.” He underscored the responsibility felt by the players and coaching staff, stating, “We feel responsible, and now we’ll see what we have to correct.”
Atlético Madrid now has 12 points from seven games, marking their first back-to-back wins of the season. Coach Diego Simeone praised his team’s performance, highlighting their understanding of how to exploit Madrid’s weaknesses. “Madrid are one of the best teams in the world, no doubt,” he said. “We interpreted the game well. Our fans will be happy.”
Simeone also commended Álvarez, who has scored five goals in the past week, emphasizing the forward’s hard work and commitment to the team. “We have to look after him,” he noted, expressing hope that Álvarez will remain with the club for years to come.
Reflecting on the derby’s significance, Álvarez stated, “It’s very special. We knew how important this was. It’s a derby, and we needed the three points.” He acknowledged that while the team hadn’t been achieving results earlier in the season, they exhibited better efficiency in this match.
As both teams look ahead, Alonso and his players will focus on regrouping and addressing the issues highlighted by this defeat. The coming weeks will be crucial for Madrid as they aim to bounce back from this setback and maintain their title aspirations.
