It can be good for us — Xabi Alonso gives honest assessment of Atletico Madrid defeat

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso said that the defeat to Atletico Madrid could be a blessing in disguise, as it was the first hiccup in their previously perfect season. 

Los Blancos were embarrassed by their city neighbours, Atletico Madrid, 5-2 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday afternoon, effectively putting paid to their 100% start to the season. 

Alonso admitted that they deserved to lose, as Diego Simeone’s side were superior in all phases, but he also pointed out the silver lining in the dark cloud. 

Speaking after the game, the former Bayer Leverkusen said they had a poor performance but hinted that they would learn from it. 

"Perhaps it will be beneficial for the future,” he said, per Reuters. “We didn't start well in the duels, in the ball to space. We were too much like losers. The game didn't flow. A bad match overall, a deserved defeat.”

"The explanation is that we did not perform at our usual level. And it has to hurt, but it has to be a pain that we use positively. We lacked intensity and focus. How to counteract this better. 

“We had an idea but we need to evaluate it further. We didn't compete enough, not at the level required for these matches, against these opponents. And we'll have to raise it.”