Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 to claim the trophy in the Spanish Super Cup final.After the match, manager Xabi Alonso spoke to Camel Live in an interview.
Is a Defeat Like This More Painful?
"Defeat always hurts, but this was a... closely contested, fiercely competitive, unpredictable and exciting game. The feeling is that we were so close with those two very clear chances in the final stages... We really were right there. The game was contested until the very end, and I have to congratulate Barcelona."
The Game Got Out of Hand After the First Water Break...
"Yes, a lot happened in the last 15 minutes [of the first half]. Before that, we were in good control, with stability both in possession and out of it, and we also created the clearest chances in the first 30 minutes—those two from Vinícius and Gonzalo. Then we conceded the first goal not from an organized attack by the opposition, but from a mistake. But the team always held firm under pressure and kept competing. We went into halftime level at 2-2, and so much had happened in those 15 minutes. The second half was equally tight and intense. The opponent scored with a bit of luck from almost a single chance. We stepped up the pressure to equalize, but we couldn’t get it done in the end."
How Would You Evaluate Vinícius’ Performance in This Game?
"He put in a really good performance, very penetrative. That goal was absolutely brilliant, and he caused a lot of problems down the left flank afterwards. The team gave everything and showed great attitude, but we just couldn’t get over the line today."
Some People Say Winning Would Have Given a Huge Boost to Morale, So What About Losing?
"We have to move on quickly. This is just one game, one tournament... and a relatively less important one among all the competitions we’re involved in. We need to look forward, work to get the players back on track—mentally as well—and then keep pushing forward."
Did You Speak to the President After the Match? What Did He Say?
"No, no."
