The tension levels at Real Madrid rose sharply after a frustrating 1–1 draw against Girona, a result that cost the team their position at the top of LaLiga EA Sports. The night at Montilivi left a bitter aftertaste for a squad that had been clinging to first place despite recent inconsistencies. Yet despite the setback, Xabi Alonso sent a message aimed at steadying the ship: the title race is far from over, and the real battle is only just beginning.

How Did Xabi Alonso Evaluate the Draw at Montilivi?

The coach avoided falling into alarmism.
Xabi highlighted the strong response from his players after halftime, noting that the team showed “a very good reaction” and “a real desire to come back from 1–0.” According to him, Real Madrid created “three or four chances inside the box to win the game,” even if the final touch never arrived.

But self-criticism was equally present.
The manager admitted that Madrid lacked “longer stretches of good offensive football” and the ability to “be more dominant,” particularly in a first half where Girona dictated the tempo more effectively. Xabi felt the second half was “much better,” but still short of the comeback expected from a front line featuring Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Junior.

What Does Xabi Expect Ahead of the Trip to San Mamés?

The coach didn’t mince words: Madrid must rediscover their winning form away from home, and fast.
On Wednesday, the team visits San Mamés to face the Athletic Club, one of the toughest stadiums in Spain and a place that frequently exposes any cracks in visiting sides.

“It will be an opportunity to win away from home again, and we need that,” Xabi said with conviction.

Madrid have produced consecutive draws outside the Santiago Bernabéu, a trend that has tightened the top of the table and allowed FC Barcelona to reapply pressure. Fixing their lack of edge on the road has now become a priority for the coaching staff.

What Did He Say About the Controversial Play Involving Rodrygo?

One of the decisive late-game moments came with a possible penalty on Rodrygo Goes.
Xabi admitted he was surprised that VAR didn’t review the incident, calling it “one of those decisive plays that can change a match,” particularly in a clash where every detail carried weight in the fight for first place.

With the standings “getting tighter and tighter,” as the coach himself acknowledged, Real Madrid now enters a stretch where consistency will define the season. Between the pressure from behind and the frustration of recent dropped points, Xabi’s formula remains unchanged: unity, self-reflection, and ambition.