Alonso emphasizes that the team’s evaluation will not depend solely on the final result

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that his team is entering the highly anticipated "El Clásico" against Barcelona on Sunday in a "better condition" than in recent weeks, especially after intensive work to correct recent mistakes

Alonso’s remarks come just hours before the defending champions host Barcelona at Santiago Bernabéu in a crucial match capturing the attention of football fans worldwide

Real Madrid currently tops the standings with a two-point lead over second-placed Barcelona, making the outcome of the Clásico decisive in the race for the La Liga title

Correcting the course and confidence in morale

In a press conference on Saturday, Alonso noted that the team used the past period to address mistakes, especially following the heavy loss to Atlético Madrid

The Spanish coach said: "Without a doubt, we spent weeks working on fixing things, and we are now doing things better

He added, highlighting the team’s mental and technical state: "We arrive at tomorrow’s match in a good moment, in terms of morale, technically, and competitively—it’s a good moment." These statements reassure Madrid fans that the team has overcome the psychological effects of the recent domestic defeat

El Clásico: a chance to prove themselves after major setbacks

The upcoming Clásico carries extra significance for Real Madrid, particularly after a series of disappointing results in major occasions. The team suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals this summer, raising questions about their ability to perform in crucial moments

Therefore, the Clásico provides Alonso’s squad with a new opportunity to demonstrate their ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches and to showcase Real Madrid’s authority

Alonso stressed that the team’s evaluation will not rely solely on the final result, but on overall performance: "These are important games, and I don’t like to judge only based on the result, but on the process as a whole, right?" He emphasized that disciplined tactical play and fighting spirit are the coaching staff’s top priorities against their traditional rivals

A decisive confrontation

Football fans worldwide are turning their attention to the Spanish capital, where Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will host the next chapter of the eternal "El Clásico" between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Sunday

This fixture, with more than 96 years of history in domestic competition, presents a new kind of challenge, as it is the first real test of the "coaches’ Clásico" between German Hans-Dieter Flick and Spanish Xabi Alonso, promising a tactical duel filled with football intelligence

Real Madrid under Alonso: restoring prestige and attacking balance

Real Madrid enters the Clásico in relatively strong standing in the league table

Alonso, in his first season, has revitalized the team’s spirit and ambition, relying on a structured attacking style focused on controlled possession and quick passing, leveraging the abilities of both star and emerging players

The team’s overall form is on the rise; Real Madrid has not lost at home in La Liga since April and has suffered only one defeat, albeit a heavy one, against Atlético Madrid in September

This domestic confidence is reinforced by recent European victories, giving the team high morale heading into the match