Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has explained why his side defeated bitter rivals Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Los Blancos edged the Catalans 2–1 courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.

Fermín López scored the only goal for Hansi Flick’s side, who recorded their first Clásico defeat under the German manager.

The victory gave Real Madrid a five-point lead at the top of La Liga.

In his post-match reaction, Alonso noted that his side secured the victory because they did not concede many chances to Barcelona.

“It is an important, deserved — even short — victory.

“We had chances, the penalty… It gives us the feeling of a competitive team in big games.

“It was the tension of an important match and a close result.

“We didn’t concede too many chances, and I interpret that as normal. We should not overemphasise those tense moments. Everything has happened in the Clásicos, and we have another game on Saturday.”

WDN