Alonso Praises Mbappe And Vini's Connection In Winning Over Athletic Club

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior's connection is very important for Real Madrid (Instagram/@realmadrid).

JAKARTA - Xabi Alonso praised Kylian Mbappe's two fantastic goals and an extraordinary connection with Vinicius Junior after Real Madrid's win over Athletic Club 3-0 on Thursday, December 4, 2025, early morning WIB.

Mbappe put Los Blancos ahead in the seventh minute at San Mames, then provided assists for Eduardo Camavinga's goal, before adding a second goal after an hour of the game to bring his team to the first LaLiga win since November 1, 2025.

This result makes Real Madrid collect 36 points from 15 matches that have been played, only one point adrift of LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

"Kylian is in excellent form. Today he scored two goals again, two fantastic goals. Then there was movement, his connection with Vini was very good."

"The team played from the first minute to win matches with good concentration, good intensity, and excellent rhythm."

"We dominated the game in the first half. In the second half, we didn't have too much possession, but we were still in control."

"It was an important moment after three away draws, to return to winning ways in away matches," Alonso said in a press conference after the match.

Alonso came under pressure ahead of the games in Bilbao, after a streak of Real Madrid draws in the league in a row against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona.

No wonder, the victory over the Athletic Club is three important points to restore public trust in the coach.

"It was an important game. Obviously, we wanted to break the trend a little bit, but we entered it with the composure and necessary preparation."

"I think the team played a very complete game. We were very focused for 90 minutes, barely conceding. It was probably the most complete performance we've ever shown, in a stadium full of demands, at an important moment," said Alonso.

Mbappe's two goals made his collection 55 goals in 2025, close to club Cristiano Ronaldo's record scoring 59 goals in a calendar year.

"This is my Real Madrid," wrote the star on social media after the game.

Alonso declined to explain why his team was able to perform brilliantly against Athletic. In fact, they failed to do so in previous weeks.

"Today is today, and that's the most important thing. Team performance, collective quality are shown by the team, and how we control the game. It's very consistent. That's what I picked from it."

"We are playing one game after another. The schedule is very tight and it doesn't allow us to think too much, both in good times and in bad," said the Spaniard.