Real Madrid are through to the semi-finals after a scare at the end. Xabi Alonso’s side beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 and now await PSG in what promises to be a high-octane semi-final. The Whites had a great first half and were 2-0 up after 20 minutes thanks to goals from the tireless Gonzalo and a surprise strike from Fran García. With that lead, the Whites had the game under control until a crazy end to the match. Maximilian Beier made it 2-1 in the 92nd minute, Kylian Mbappé scored a great goal to make it 3-1 in the 94th minute, and Guirassy made it 3-2 from the penalty spot in the 98th minute after Dean Huijsen was sent off, meaning he will miss the match against PSG. Courtois was the hero once again, making a great save in the dying seconds to avoid extra time.
Xabi didn’t like the end of the game
It was precisely that crazy ending that the coach didn’t like, although he gave a positive assessment of the game as a whole and believes that lessons must be learned from the end so that it doesn’t happen again. “Until the 80th minute, we controlled the game well. We had periods with the ball, others without, but we controlled the space. And we had a few chances to score the third, until things got hectic. Too many things happened in too short a time. We’re celebrating being in the semi-finals, maybe it will be good for us to be alert next time.”
Happy with his team’s tactical reading
“The system can be flexible, Tchouameni played a little further forward, we have to adjust… to say you have a set formation is very static, football forces you to do many things. I’m not obsessed with saying this is my system and it’s set in stone. I want the players to interpret it within our style of play,” said coach Xabi Alonso.
The changes were well thought out. “I’m where I need to be. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. That’s part of making decisions. We need everyone. Those on the bench have to live it, be connected for the decisive moments. We’re together 24 hours a day for three weeks. If you want coffee, have two cups. We’re in the semifinals, we’re happy. Two hours of downtime and when we get to Florida, we’ll start preparing for the big game against PSG,” he said.
PSG awaits
“I haven’t faced them. They have momentum, both in their play and in their energy. It will be a challenge. So far, we’ve done well, competing, and now it’s time for the next step. We want to play in the final,” said Xabi, who has not yet had time to analyze the absences of players from both teams ahead of the match. “I don’t know how we’ll feel, we’ll see tomorrow (laughs).”
Luis Enrique’s team “is the next level, a great game, we are growing in what we are creating. They are coming off a very positive run, they have been playing at a very high level since the Champions League round of 16, it’s a challenge for us.”
Fran García and his great tournament
“He’s had a great tournament, with top concentration and intensity, knowing when to wait and when to jump… He has benefited from the fact that Vini was drawing two players. I’m happy for Fran, his attitude is an example. I told him, if you’re far away you can’t score, if you get there, you can score… And that’s why he scored,“ said the coach.
Trent still at half speed… while Gonzalo doesn’t stop
”It’s three weeks after being at Liverpool for 15 years… That takes time. He had a serious first half and he’s growing, integrating, taking on new ideas. We have to work with him day by day, but we’re happy,“ said Xabi Alonso about Trent, while he once again praised Gonzalo. ”He’s taking advantage of it and he’s done it again. He has the characteristics of a goalscorer. He’s in the right place at the right time. And he’s backing it up with goals.”
Mbappé against PSG
“I think he’s doing well, he’s not perfect. He’s not 100% yet, there are days when he’ll feel better for the semi-finals.” Xabi Alonso did not want to give any clues as to whether he will start against PSG.