Xabi Alonso urged Real Madrid to take lessons from their bruising 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, admitting his side were deservedly beaten in Saturday’s derby.
The defeat was real’s first of the LaLiga season and the first time in 75 years Atletico had put five past their city rivals.
Alonso, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in May, conceded his team had fallen well below their usual standards.
“We didn’t start well in the duels, in the ball to space. We were too much like losers. The game didn’t flow. A bad match overall, a deserved defeat,” Alonso said.
“The explanation is that we did not perform at our usual level. And it has to hurt, but it has to be a pain that we use positively.”
Reflecting on the lack of intensity, the Real boss admitted frustration. “I could see that we weren’t playing at our best and that we lacked rhythm and intensity.
We didn’t compete enough, not at the level required for these matches, against these opponents. And we’ll have to raise it.”
Alonso also addressed the fans, asking for perspective. “As part of the process of progress and development, there are going to be tough days. How we react is what matters. We’re still in a phase of development,” he said.
Despite the heavy defeat, Real remain top of LaLiga with 18 points, two clear of Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Atletico, meanwhile, climb to fourth after their historic victory.
