Alonso expects more after Real Madrid's opening win

Times of Oman

2 days ago

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has expressed satisfaction after his side kicked off its 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a 1-0 home win over Osasuna.
Kylian Mbappe's penalty early in the second half decided the game, but despite the narrow margin of victory, Alonso was pleased with a display that limited Osasuna's options in attack, and noted that his side had only been together for a couple of weeks after having competed in the FIFA World Club Cup in the United States this summer.
"There are positives, starting with the result, which is the most important thing. Osasuna has had more time for preseason, and it showed," he said.
"There were good things and others that we need to improve," added Alonso, while also admitting his players "lacked freshness in the final third, and we struggled to create clear chances. We're in that fine-tuning phase, but the win gives you peace of mind."
The coach also expressed satisfaction with the displays of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono on their home debuts.
"They had good, decent performances; they played seriously, didn't make mistakes, and weren't nervous. I've seen positive things. And I'm very happy to be back at this new Bernabeu," said Alonso.
Another injury setback for Villarreal striker Moreno
Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno has suffered another injury setback in a career that has been badly affected by physical problems in recent seasons.
The 33-year-old started his side's opening day win at home to Oviedo on Saturday evening, but the former Spain international had to leave the pitch after just two minutes of the second half with a hamstring injury in his left leg.
The striker is likely to be out of action for between four and six weeks, but given Moreno's injury history, it is likely to be closer to six weeks on the sidelines.
"I don't want to predict much, but you can't imagine how frustrating it is to not be able to have continuity, when you are doing all that is in my hands to try and be fit."
"I will carry on looking for the best way to be here and to play. I will keep on working because I have a marvellous family who are always at my side and a lot of people who want me to be fit and who try and keep my morale up," wrote Moreno on Instagram.
Moreno has suffered both hamstring and calf injuries in the past three years, missing 14 matches last season, 20 in the 2023-2024 campaign and 18 the previous year, which have limited his appearances for Villarreal and effectively ended his international career.