Xabi Alonso Reflects on Real Madrid's ‘Gusty' Win Over Juventus
The match was decided by Gonzalo Garcia's header in the 54th minute after the forward rose well to hammer the ball past Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
The Spanish manager admitted the failure to double the lead added tension late on: 'We had to grit our teeth at the end. Defensive solidity and discipline are fundamental and something we've tried to transmit from the start.'
He reserved special words for Federico Valverde, calling him 'instrumental in both phases of play' and is more than delighted to have him in the team.
On Vinicius Jr's position, Alonso added: 'He can do both: inside and outside. The second part of the first half was good, and so was the second half.'
Thibaut Courtois also spoke to the press after the game, saying, ' The defensive commitment of the entire team has been great.'
Real Madrid now prepare for a quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund on July 5 at 9 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1), to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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