Alonso Dismisses Yamal’s ‘Cheating’ Remark Amid Rising El Clasico Tensions
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is focused on the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona, amidst rising tensions following remarks from Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old winger accused Real Madrid of “cheating” and “complaining” during a recent interview.
Alonso Dismisses Yamal’s ‘Cheating’ Allegations
Yamal made the accusations while appearing on a Kings League program, where he was accompanied by former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. In his comments, he compared Real Madrid to the Kings League team Porcinos, stating, “Of course! Yes, they cheat, they complain…”. Pique endorsed Yamal’s statements, which led to a heated discussion in the lead-up to the El Clasico.
When questioned about Yamal’s comments, Alonso declined to engage with the topic, emphasizing the importance of the match scheduled for Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu. He stated, “It’s an important match… it has many ingredients for us to play well.” Alonso expressed his desire for the team to focus on their performance rather than external comments.
Upcoming Clash at the Bernabeu
The clash holds significant importance for both teams, with Real Madrid leading LaLiga with 24 points, just two points ahead of Barcelona. Alonso is determined to demonstrate Real’s strength after recent defeats in key matches, including losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid earlier in the season.
Last season saw Barcelona triumph over Real Madrid on four occasions across three competitions, including a notable 4-0 win at the Bernabeu. Alonso acknowledges the pressure but believes the upcoming match will provide an opportunity to reclaim their dominance.
Team Preparations and Mindset
- Alonso took over as manager in June 2023.
- He aims to maximize Real Madrid’s strengths during this crucial fixture.
- The team is reportedly in good shape both mentally and in terms of football performance.
“An El Clasico is special,” Alonso remarked, underscoring the unique intensity of the rivalry. He is keen for the supporters at the stadium to bring the energy that characterizes big matches, pushing the team towards a strong performance.
