Alonso refusing to let Madrid dwell on Athletic win with demanding schedule ahead

Xabi Alonso warned Real Madrid have no time to dwell on results due to a demanding schedule after his side overcame Athletic Bilbao 3-0 on Wednesday.

Madrid snapped a three-game winless streak in LaLiga thanks to another double from Kylian Mbappe, who also teed up Eduardo Camavinga’s first-half strike.

The away win moved them within a point of leaders Barcelona, having dropped behind Hansi Flick’s side following three straight draws in top-flight action.

But with Celta Vigo to follow on Sunday, three days before the Champions League visit of Manchester City, Alonso is focused on looking forward rather than back.

“Today is what matters. The team’s performance. The team’s collective quality, how we controlled the game with great stability,” the Madrid head coach said at his post-match press conference.

“That’s what I’m focusing on. We’re taking it one game at a time. We knew it was an important moment, and now we can think about Celta.

“The schedule is very demanding and doesn’t allow for dwelling on things, whether in good times or bad.”

Mbappe was once again the difference for Madrid, taking his tally to 25 goals in just 20 club games across all competitions this season.

20 – Kylian Mbappe has been involved in more goals than 15 teams in @LaLigaEN this season (20 goals, 16 assists). Chasm#RMA #ATHRMA pic.twitter.com/zhAQ3kluDT

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 3, 2025

Heading into Wednesday’s action, only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (24) had scored more across Europe’s top five leagues, excluding the Club World Cup, and Alonso was quick to praise Mbappe.

“He’s in great form, he scored two fantastic goals,” the Spaniard added. “His movement, his connection with Vini [Junior], and the fact that the team came out from the first minute determined to win, with good concentration and a good rhythm.

“We took control of the game. It was an important moment. And finally, we’re going home.”

Mbappe’s heroics also ensured Madrid did not drop points in four consecutive LaLiga games for the first time since October 2018.

But there still remains questions over Alonso’s lineup, with many suggesting Arda Guler cannot play alongside Jude Bellingham in an attacking Madrid midfield.

“Of course it’s compatible, absolutely,” Alonso responded when asked if Bellingham and Guler could partner one another.

“There are a lot of matches, we play every three days. It’s just a technical decision.”