Alonso talks Carreras, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Guler, Fran Garcia after Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured a narrow 2-1 win over Mallorca last night in a thrilling game at the Santiago Bernabeu where they should have had more than two goals.

Vinicius Jr and Arda Guler had their names on the scoresheet against Jagoba Arrasate’s men, but the damage could have been worse had Real Madrid not had a plethora of goals disallowed vaguely.

In the end, however, Los Blancos continued their perfect start to life under Xabi Alonso and brought home three much-needed points ahead of the international break.

Xabi Alonso takes the stage

Speaking to the media after the game, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was asked to deliver his verdict on the team’s performance and several individuals who shone on the night. He began by providing an overview of the win over Mallorca.

“It was a game of phases. We didn’t start off the best, but we reacted well.

Alonso wasn’t entirely happy with the performance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“We weren’t as tight in pressing the opposition’s half, something we’d been doing well up until now, and we need to look at that and correct it.”

“We attacked better than we did against Osasuna and created more, especially after the 20th minute against the opposition’s low block.

“We have to keep pushing, but the conviction of the team and the players is building, and that’s important to me,” he added.

The manager then admitted that the team had improved significantly since he took over and that they must keep going given the competition ahead.

“We’re obviously better than we were at the start. In terms of how we feel, results are important to confirm that we’re on the right track and working in the right way.”

“After the break, the Champions League awaits and we have to keep improving things. Starting with 9 out of 9 points is good, and we’re pleased,” he added.

On Guler, Rodrygo and more

MADRID, SPAIN – AUGUST 30: Arda Gueler of Real Madrid shoots on goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Mallorca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 30, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The manager was then asked his opinion on Arda Guler’s ruled-out goal, to which he plainly said,

“The fourth official said it had to be an immediate action, but the referee interpreted it differently.  3-1 would have given us more peace of mind.”

“It was tight until the end. He’s the one in charge, and that’s how it turned out today,” he added.

Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes were the next topic of discussion, especially given their situations at the club with respect to form and future respectively.

“Vini Jr. made a good contribution and played better than he did at home against Osasuna. The goal was important. I’m happy with his performance,” Alonso said.

“Rodrygo also had a good performance. The three substitutions gave us confidence because we were losing control of the game. We need that, for people to be ready to contribute,” he added.

The team now disperse into the international break where several players will join up with their respective national teams, and Alonso insisted the team would return even more motivated for the games after the break.

“I’d like to keep them close, but my wish is in vain. We knew that in these first three matches, it was important to compete in order to evolve and define the path we want to take.”

“Now there’s a break, and then a set of Champions League matches. There are good things and things to correct, which we will do,” he added.

Mbappe’s performance

Kylian Mbappe’s hot streak of scoring in seven back-to-back league games for Real Madrid came to an end last night, but the manager was not worried by the player’s blank day in any capacity.

“I’m not worried at all that he hasn’t scored because he’ll continue to score. He’s been very close to doing so and his attitude has been very good.”

Mbappe failed to score against Mallorca. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“He was just a few millimetres offside, but I’m sure he’ll score in the next few matches,” he added.

Elaborating on what made Mbappe special, the manager said,

“He’s always a threat to the opposition and creates lots of chances. His offside issues can be improved thanks to his excellent ability to lose his marker and finish.”

“I’m not too concerned that he didn’t score today. He scored against Osasuna and scored twice in Oviedo,” he added.

Xabi Alonso then had words of praise for Alvaro Carreras who put up a fabulous display on the night, both going forward and in defence.

“I had been following him and was very pleased that he joined us. He already knows the club a bit and I expected him to adapt well, but he has been extraordinary.”

“He does almost everything right, he’s very focused throughout the match and he’s a very good addition for the present and the future,” he added.

Carreras’ rise, needless to say, amps the pressure up on his competitor Fran Garcia for whom the manager had words of praise too.

“I’ve spoken to him. He’s ready, and although he, Asencio and Alaba haven’t played, these are difficult decisions.

“He’s very professional in training and I’m confident that when we need him, he’ll be there.”

Earlier in the day, a massive controversy arose in Atletico Madrid’s game when Los Rojiblancos were given a goal that should have clearly been disallowed for offside.

“I was surprised by what happened in Vitoria. These are mistakes that shouldn’t happen, and we need to improve in terms of the overuse and correct use of VAR.”

“We don’t need to re-referee everything, and when it is used, it must be done correctly,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website