Real Madrid Confidencial Xabi Alonso, caught by Movistar Plus cameras
Real Madrid's coach was in the spotlight of the cameras during the match in Oviedo
Xabi Alonso delivered a major surprise last Sunday in Oviedo by leaving Vinícius on the bench, a decision that few could have imagined. The Basque coach chose to rest the Brazilian, who came on in the 63rd minute and ended up being key for Real Madrid. The winger provided the assist for Mbappé's 0-2 and scored the definitive 0-3 before the end.
Vinícius's place on the bench was not an improvised idea by Xabi Alonso. In fact, the Basque coach had already considered that possibility during the Club World Cup that Real Madrid played in United States last July. However, as Rodra, a journalist from "ESPN", stated, the Brazilian did not know he was going to be a substitute until just hours before the match.
In Oviedo, Xabi Alonso once again considered leaving Vinícius on the bench. This time, the coach made the Madridist fans' suspicions come true. Many already feared the Brazilian would be a substitute, which happened on matchday 2.
Xabi Alonso, alert to all his players
Regarding Xabi Alonso, the Movistar+ cameras kept a close eye on him throughout the match. The coach from Tolosa was facing his first away match in LaLiga and achieved a great result. However, his night was anything but relaxed.
"Carva, Álvaro (Carreras), the one coming in is number '10'", Xabi Alonso told his two players. "Hassan is coming in", the coach also told Tchouaméni before the second half. The coach from Tolosa made sure to warn all his players about the entry of one of Real Oviedo's most dangerous players.
"Dean, wait. For the high press, Álvaro (Carreras) goes with number '10' and you...", he said to Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rüdiger. In addition, the Real Madrid coach told the German defender that he had to keep an eye on Salomón Rondón, Real Oviedo's striker.
Fede Valverde also received instructions during the second half. "You jump to number '12' for the advanced press, just like at the beginning", he announced. Moreover, Xabi Alonso's orders were also relayed by Tchouaméni on the field.
"Arda! Kylian!", he shouted to his players. Constant intensity from a coach who has made it clear to his players that they must press constantly and leave every possible effort on the field.
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