Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged his team’s shortcomings after their heavy defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final and emphasized learning from mistakes to move forward.
The loss to PSG clearly stings Alonso deeply. Yet, speaking with determination, he vowed to start fresh next season.
At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Wednesday, Real Madrid couldn’t stand up to European champions PSG, who crushed them 4-0 to secure their place in the final.
Missing due to suspension and injury were defenders Dean Haussen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Although Real had found success earlier in the tournament with five defenders, they reverted to a four-defender lineup for this match.
Tactically, Gonzalo García and star forward Kylian Mbappé started together alongside Vinícius Jr., but Real’s attack failed to ignite.
Within the first nine minutes, Real conceded two goals, and by the 24th minute, they were three goals down. Though their play improved somewhat in the second half, they couldn’t find the net. PSG sealed the emphatic victory with a late fourth goal. Fabian Ruiz scored twice, with Ousmane Dembélé and Gonzalo Ramos adding one each.
After the match, Alonso accepted responsibility for the defeat:
“We were two goals down and couldn’t find our footing. It’s a painful loss. We must admit we didn’t play up to the standard.”
Alonso made no changes at the start of the second half despite the three-goal deficit but introduced some adjustments midway through.
“We made some mistakes. Sometimes it’s good to see our own errors because it helps us learn for the future.”
Real’s trophyless season deepened their frustration. This match also marked the end of an era for Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez. Alonso, now in charge following the Club World Cup, did not rule out bringing new players into the squad.
“After the break, we will start fresh. We want to build a team that plays united, that plays together… We were one match away (from the final), and it’s painful. Let’s see what happens next.”
