Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted dropping two points at San Mames was a disappointment, but Los Blancos will not give up the fight for the La Liga title.
The nine-time European Cup champions failed to take full advantage of Barcelona’s slip up at home to Valencia on Saturday evening as they could only manage draw against Athletic Bilbao on their first visit to the Basque side’s new ground. Jese gave the visitors the lead but they were pegged back shortly afterwards by Los Leones. To make matters worse, star man Cristiano was sent off for a supposed slap on Gurpegui.
Speaking after the match, former Real Sociedad man Alonso said it was a frustrating night for Los Blancos, but they would keep on working to achieve their goal of winning the title. “We don’t have to look at other teams and have our fate in our own hands. There are a lot of points left to play for and it looks like that what happens between now and the end of the season will be very interesting,” he stated.
Despite criticizing Gurgpegui for play acting to get Ronaldo sent off, Alonso admitted it was a tough match against a very good Athletic side flying high in the table. “It was a fair result. It was a very good and intense match, the referee got some things wrong but that’s normal. It is a shame to draw after going ahead, which was the most difficult thing. Ibai scored a great goal. We struggled to control the ball and get out from the back easily in the first half. We were better in the second half and created more chances,” he told reporters.
The Spain international also took time out to pay tribute to his former manager at national level, Luis Aragones, who passed away on Saturday morning. He said: “It is very sad because he was a unique and endearing person, we liked him very much and had a lot of affection for him. We connected and did great things.”
