Sun Oct 26 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Alonso Sidesteps Yamal Jabs, Focuses on On-Pitch Action Ahead of El Clásico
Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has downplayed pre-Clásico taunts from Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal, refusing to be drawn into a war of words ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. Yamal, during an interview promoting Gerard Piqué’s Kings League, jokingly accused Real Madrid of “robbing and complaining.”
When questioned about the comments during a press conference on Saturday, Alonso remained composed, stating, “It’s an important enough game. It has a lot of ingredients… The important thing is what happens on the pitch, and what we have ahead of us tomorrow, and how we want to play. That’s what most concerns me.”
Barcelona’s assistant coach, Marcus Sorg, echoed Alonso’s sentiment, calling Yamal a “top player” and hoping he would deliver his best performance in the highly anticipated match.
Alonso acknowledged Real Madrid’s struggles against Barcelona last season, where they lost all four encounters, including a humbling 4-0 defeat at the Bernabéu. “We’ve analysed them,” Alonso stated. “But the moment is different for them and us, it’s a different project, we’re just starting. We’ve analysed it. We want to play to our strengths.”
While downplaying past results, Alonso admitted his desire to see progress. “It’s been 12 games, there’s been growth, there’s room to improve, but we’re almost in November. No trophies are given out yet. There’s a lot of season left,” he said.
On a positive note for Real Madrid, defenders Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal, who were previously sidelined with injuries, participated in Saturday’s training session. Alonso confirmed he has his starting XI in mind and that he will have most players available.
Real Madrid currently leads Barcelona by two points in LaLiga after nine games, setting the stage for a high-stakes El Clásico.
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