Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has accepted full responsibility for his team’s crushing 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Saturday’s derby at the Metropolitano. Los Blancos, who had won all their league matches this season, were completely outplayed by Diego Simeone’s men in a high-intensity clash. Alonso admitted his players fell short in every aspect of the game, from pressing to competing with Atletico’s energy. He told reporters that his side lacked the intensity and fight needed in such fixtures, adding that their performance was not at the level required in a derby. The Spanish coach described the result as painful but fair, acknowledging that Atletico were the stronger side throughout the match. Despite the setback, Alonso urged his players to see the defeat as part of their growth process. He noted that the team is still in development and must take lessons from the loss to improve in future games. “We wouldn’t be smart if we’re not capable of taking the positive out of the pain,” he said, stressing the importance of reacting well in the next fixtures. The defeat marked Real Madrid’s first loss of the season, leaving fans and players disappointed but determined to respond.
