Real Madrid Ready to Eliminate PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals

Speaking after Real Madrid's 3-2 victory over Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, coach Xabi Alonso said he was pleased with how his team controlled the game for most of the match.

However, the Spanish coach acknowledged that his players needed to be more focused in the final minutes of the game. In stoppage time, Real allowed Dortmund to score two goals, and even had to play with one fewer player after Dean Huijsen received a red card.

“We controlled the game well, with and without the ball. We had several chances to score the third goal, but then the game became chaotic. We celebrated our semifinal too early. Maybe that will make us more cautious for the next match,” said Alonso.

Coach Alonso explained the decision to place Aurélien Tchouameni in the center of the three-man defense: “We wanted Aurélien to understand his role and position. He played well and helped the team maintain stability.”

Additionally, he praised Arda Guler, who provided two assists in the match: “He coordinated well with the defense in the first half and played higher up in the second half. Guler has good technique, shoots well, and is very dangerous near the penalty area. He needs time and support to develop further,"

Alonso praised PSG and is ready to face the Champions League winners.

In this match, substitute players like Kylian Mbappe and Luka Modric left a clear impact.

Mbappe even scored a goal to increase the score to 3-1. Alonso emphasized the important role of the entire squad, not just the starting players: “Substitutes can also make a difference. We've been together 24 hours a day for three weeks; everyone must be ready.”

Commenting on the semifinal match against PSG, Alonso said: “I’ve never faced PSG before. They’re in great form and have a lot of energy; this will be a huge challenge. So far, we’ve done very well, and now it’s time to prepare for the next step—reaching the final.”