Alonso claims Madrid has improved as Clasico looms
Xabi Alonso believes Real Madrid is in good shape ahead of the first Clasico of the season, after correcting the mistakes made in a Madrid derby mauling earlier this season.
Los Blancos have lost just once this season, suffering a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid in LaLiga at the end of September.
However, they have won their other 11 matches in all competitions, and are in a strong position in the league, holding a two-point lead over Barcelona ahead of their mammoth clash.
Madrid also lost another big game earlier in Alonso's tenure when it was thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final in July.
But the Spaniard is confident his side will rise to the occasion at Santiago Bernabeu and handle the big-match pressure.
"Without doubt, a few weeks have passed in which we have been correcting things, doing things better," Alonso said.
"We are arriving in a good moment, both in terms of morale, in a footballing sense, our competitive level – it's a good moment.
"These are important games, and I don't just like to evaluate based on result, but on the process, right?
"In this process of 12 games, there has been growth. There's still room to improve, but we're just [about to reach] November.
"No trophies have been given out; no medals have been won. There is a long way to go this season, but right now the most important thing is [Sunday]. We only have the Clasico in our heads."
Alonso will manage his first LaLiga match against Barcelona. Seven of Madrid's past eight managers have lost their first Clasico in the competition, with the sole exception being Zinedine Zidane, who won 2-1 at Camp Nou in April 2016.
But Madrid is strong at home, having won its past eight such matches in LaLiga, although it has not won nine in a row since February 2015.
Many will remember Madrid lost all four Clasico meetings with Barcelona last season, with the Blaugrana doing a double in the league, as well as winning the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana finals.
Alonso pointed out that this season will be different, as his approach is different to previous coach Carlo Ancelotti.
"There could be similar situations [in this game], so we have analysed them, but the moment is different for them and for us," Alonso added.
"Our project is different, it's starting. We're working on things daily, and we will try and bring forward our strengths and have a good game."
