Real Madrid may have fallen 1–2 to Manchester City at the Bernabéu on Wednesday night, but amid the disappointment, Xabi Alonso found a clear silver lining. Speaking to Managing Madrid’s Kiyan Sobhani after the match, Alonso manager offered a thoughtful and detailed reflection on Rodrygo’s display — one he described as one of the true positives of the evening.
“Rodrygo was one of the positives of the evening,” Alonso said. “He provides us balance. When we were able to get him in good positions, he was a different
player. It wasn’t just the goal. The goal was a consequence of what he has done.”
Rodrygo’s strike — a composed finish from a tight angle after one of Madrid’s clean transition attacking sequences — energized the Bernabéu and showcased precisely the qualities Alonso was referring to: the timing of his movements, the dynamism between the lines, and his ability to progress attacks under pressure.
For Alonso, the significance extended beyond the scoresheet.
“I am very happy for him because it was very important for him to feel this level, to get back,” Alonso added. “And I think he will get better, but this was a very good one. So we have to keep pushing him.”
