"This result is good for us. It shows we still have a lot to improve," Alonso said after the match at MetLife Stadium. "PSG are doing everything well, and we still have a lot of work to do. We're in a competitive environment, but we haven't had time to train. Now we need to rest and will return in 4 weeks."
According to Alonso, the biggest difference is that he has only been working with the team for less than a month, while his counterpart Luis Enrique has had two years to build a strong and cohesive PSG. This season, PSG swept every title, including Ligue 1, the French Cup, the French Super Cup, and their first Champions League victory. They are now aiming for their fifth title and their first FIFA Club World Cup trophy.
"PSG have an excellent standard, and they've shown that in the Champions League and the Club World Cup," Alonso said. "We are just starting and will reset in August. PSG have been playing together for many years and are at an incredible level. We are not the first team to lose to PSG. It's difficult to compete with them. We want to continue learning."
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Coach Xabi Alonso before Real Madrid's 4-0 loss to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, 9/6/2025. Photo: Reuters |
Coach Xabi Alonso before Real Madrid's 4-0 loss to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, 9/6/2025. Photo: Reuters
The highly anticipated match at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey yesterday was one-sided. Real Madrid had 31% possession, with 11 shots and two on target, compared to PSG's 17 shots with seven on target.
Within the first 9 minutes, Real Madrid conceded two goals due to errors from center-backs Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger. This was the first time Real Madrid had conceded two goals in the first 9 minutes since their La Liga match against Valencia in 2/2017, when Simone Zaza and Fabian Orellana scored.
Real Madrid failed to create any significant chances for the remainder of the game. They conceded two more goals from close-range shots by Fabian Ruiz and substitute Goncalo Ramos.
Alonso admitted that the two early mistakes shattered Real Madrid's game plan. "We faced a very strong opponent, and things became really difficult after the 10th minute," the Spanish coach said. "PSG is a two-year project, while we've only been here for a short time. We have to work calmly, but obviously, this defeat is very painful."
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Center-back Eder Militao passes the ball under pressure from Warren Zaire-Emery. Photo: Reuters |
Center-back Eder Militao passes the ball under pressure from Warren Zaire-Emery. Photo: Reuters
The 43-year-old coach considered the second-half appearances of defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, returning from serious ligament injuries, as one of the few positives. He thanked and wished good luck to Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez, who played their last game for Real Madrid against PSG.
Alonso also declined to comment on potential squad reinforcements. This summer, Real Madrid has recruited three new players: Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, and Franco Mastantuono for 72.6 million USD. However, the Argentinian midfielder will officially become a Real Madrid player in August.
Hong Duy compiled this report.
