Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has said the yellow card rule is unfair but that he hopes his teammates can win the Champions League while he watches from the sidelines.
Already a booking away from being suspended, the 32-year-old picked up a yellow card in the first half at the Allianz Arena, ruling him out of the final in Lisbon on May 24. Despite knowing he wouldn’t be available, the World Cup winner put in a superb display in Germany and fought like a lion, ensuring the hosts never really threatened Iker Casillas in goal.
Speaking after the match, Alonso said he feels the rule is unfair, and admitted it will take time to get over not being able to play.
“It’s a shame not being able to play in it but I hope my teammates will win it and with time I’ll forget it. More than being an unfair card, I think it’s an unfair rule. The road to the final is very complicated. Let’s hope we do well and we can win it because the fans really want to play in a Champions League final,” he stated.
He then took the focus away from himself and stressed the most important thing was for Los Blancos to qualify for their first final in 12 years.
“It was an important day for the team and for the club. We have lost for three years, we were focused and we wanted to have a match to remember. The job is not yet done, now we want to win it,” he commented.
