An Unexpected Surprise! He was one of Real Madrid’s best players against Elche… Xabi Alonso went to personally congratulate the team’s star in the locker room for his outstanding performance! 😱 The Spanish coach believes this player was the only bright spot in the team and told him: “I want you to continue at this level!”

After his brilliant performance against Elche: Xabi Alonso personally congratulates Real Madrid star!

Real Madrid’s visit to the Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium ended in frustration after a tense 2-2 draw against Elche. The match highlighted several weaknesses in Los Blancos, especially in defensive organization and finishing, but the team managed to hold onto an important point that keeps them at the top of La Liga (EA Sports). Despite not securing the win, the final minutes showed enough determination to prevent complete disappointment, although the overall performance raised new concerns ahead of the more demanding fixtures.

In his post-match press conference, Xabi Alonso addressed the team’s ongoing struggles with a calm but serious tone. He stated that football naturally comes with periods of success and moments of unexpected decline, and this match fell into the latter category. Alonso explained that the squad must maintain focus, improve decision making, and take responsibility for the mistakes that allowed Elche to find confidence in the game. He reminded everyone that Real Madrid carries high expectations, and anything less than victory brings a feeling of dissatisfaction for both players and fans.

The coach also emphasized that the season is far from over. He spoke about the importance of analyzing what went wrong, preparing better for the matches ahead, and approaching the next challenges with renewed energy. With the Champions League fixture against Olympiacos approaching, Alonso underlined the need for sharper execution and stronger engagement on the pitch. His comments reflected a sense of urgency mixed with self-criticism, showing that he is fully aware of the expectations surrounding his role.

However, despite the mixed emotions, Alonso did not hesitate to highlight individual brilliance where it was deserved. One of the standout performers of the match was Raúl Asensio, the young Real Madrid center-back who delivered a commanding defensive display. His anticipation, composure, and one-on-one defending impressed both fans and analysts. After the final whistle, Xabi Alonso personally approached Asensio to congratulate him for his outstanding contribution, offering a gesture of trust and encouragement that did not go unnoticed.

With Éder Militão absent, Asensio has gradually become one of the defenders the coach relies on in difficult situations. His aggressive defending and confident presence have drawn comparisons to Sergio Ramos, reminding supporters of the era when Ramos brought leadership and resilience to the back line. Many believe Asensio is growing into a long-term asset who can serve the club for years to come, provided he continues developing at this level.

As the team prepares for upcoming fixtures, Real Madrid supporters will be hoping that this blend of criticism, reflection, and individual brilliance helps spark a stronger run of performances. The match against Elche revealed both weaknesses and promising signs, and Xabi Alonso’s clear message after the game shows that he remains committed to pushing the squad back toward consistent winning standards.