Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has praised his team’s collective performance following a dominant 3-0 win against Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field, with special commendation for Brazilian star Vinicius Junior.
Alonso highlighted the importance of teamwork and defensive discipline in modern football, stating, “Everyone’s sacrifice was important.” He singled out Vinicius Jr. not only for his attacking brilliance but also for his notable defensive commitment.
Vinicius opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a composed left-footed strike and followed it up with a stunning backheel assist to Federico Valverde, who doubled Madrid’s lead just before the break. Gonzalo Garcia capped the night with a well-taken goal in the 84th minute.
Reflecting on the performance, Alonso said:
“Vini Jr. had a great game. I’m not just talking about his goal and assist, but also his defensive sacrifice—knowing how to get involved and not getting caught out.”
“That allowed us to stay compact and gave him the freedom to operate effectively in attack. His link-up with Gonzalo, who constantly wears down defenders, was crucial,” Alonso added.
The Madrid manager acknowledged that the team is still in transition, saying:
“We’re starting a new era and making changes in the midst of a tough competition. There’s still a lot to improve on, but the strategy is clear. Vini came away feeling very positive, and so did I. Still, we must keep going—there’s a long way ahead.”
What’s Next?
Real Madrid will face Italian giants Juventus in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, July 1. The winner will move on to face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the quarterfinals.
