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Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso dismisses Pepe handball claims against Getafe
The playmaker insists his Portuguese team-mate was not able to move his hand out of the way in time, during a victory which he claims was important for carrying on their momentum
4 Feb 2012 23:58:00
By Livio Caferoglu
Xabi Alonso - Real Madrid
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has defended team-mate Pepe for an alleged handball during the Blancos' 1-0 win over La Liga rivals Getafe on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho's side dug out a slender victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, but had to endure shouts from the hosts' players, who were adamant the Portuguese stopper prevented an incoming ball with his arm.
However, Alonso was quick to shoot down such claims after the match: "It was a very quick phase of play. He could not react in time and it hit his hand."
The former Liverpool man then reflected on the result, and expressed his contentment with their industrious display, before looking ahead to the rest of the season.
"Every game is important and we are happy with the three points because our plan of going little by little continues," said Alonso.
"We expected a difficult game like that; the opponent, the countryside, the cold climate, the wind. But we've overcome it and we were very professional.
"There are still many games to go, but today we played against tough opponent and we are very satisfied," concluded the former Liverpool playmaker.
Real Madrid stayed seven points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona at the summit of La Liga after the latter defeated Real Sociedad.
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Jose Mourinho's side dug out a slender victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, but had to endure shouts from the hosts' players, who were adamant the Portuguese stopper prevented an incoming ball with his arm.
However, Alonso was quick to shoot down such claims after the match: "It was a very quick phase of play. He could not react in time and it hit his hand."
The former Liverpool man then reflected on the result, and expressed his contentment with their industrious display, before looking ahead to the rest of the season.
"Every game is important and we are happy with the three points because our plan of going little by little continues," said Alonso.
"We expected a difficult game like that; the opponent, the countryside, the cold climate, the wind. But we've overcome it and we were very professional.
"There are still many games to go, but today we played against tough opponent and we are very satisfied," concluded the former Liverpool playmaker.
Real Madrid stayed seven points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona at the summit of La Liga after the latter defeated Real Sociedad.
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|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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Live!
England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 6-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.
Hosted by Joe Doyle
Hosted by Joe Doyle
21:38 BST
And it's now 3-1 to Turkey! An own goal from Pepe and we're into time added on. Do people think Portugal will qualify from their group?
21:34 BST
Into the final few minutes with Portugal still 2-1 down to Turkey. Cristiano Ronaldo missed his second ever penalty for Portugal earlier on.
21:12 BST
Elsewhere in Europe, Portugal are currently losing at home to Turkey. Not looking good for them at the Euros!
21:03 BST
As promised, here is the match report on Netherlands 6-0 Northern Ireland.
21:00 BST
And here's more from Roy Hodgson on the injury concerns in the England squad.
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