|
|
Pepe Says Real Madrid Felt Alonso's Absence
The Portuguese defender says Xabi's absence was felt immediately.
Sep 15, 2009 10:56:28 PM
Real Madrid defender Pepe has said that the injury to Xabi Alonso had a big impact on how the game against FC Zurich developed on Tuesday night.
Madrid were cruising to victory with a 3-0 lead when Alonso hobbled off with an ankle injury and ten minutes later, Zurich had found a way back into the game with two quickfire goals, before late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Guti sealed a comprehensive 5-2 win.
"We felt Xabi's absence. We were maintaining a very high level but noticed a change when he got injured, he is a key player for us," said Pepe, who made his first competitive appearance of the season, due to ten-game a domestic suspension he received last season.
"After that we managed to reorganize and killed off the game," the Portugal international told Radio Marca.
Pepe praised the resilience of his side as they showed a battling quality to re-assert their superiority after the shaky spell in which Zurich scored twice.
"We controlled the game up until the injury to Xabi then it was hard for some minutes but the important thing is that we have learned to show another quality," he said.
Paul Madden, Goal.com
Keep up to date with all the latest Champions League news with Goal.com
Madrid were cruising to victory with a 3-0 lead when Alonso hobbled off with an ankle injury and ten minutes later, Zurich had found a way back into the game with two quickfire goals, before late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Guti sealed a comprehensive 5-2 win.
"We felt Xabi's absence. We were maintaining a very high level but noticed a change when he got injured, he is a key player for us," said Pepe, who made his first competitive appearance of the season, due to ten-game a domestic suspension he received last season.
"After that we managed to reorganize and killed off the game," the Portugal international told Radio Marca.
Pepe praised the resilience of his side as they showed a battling quality to re-assert their superiority after the shaky spell in which Zurich scored twice.
"We controlled the game up until the injury to Xabi then it was hard for some minutes but the important thing is that we have learned to show another quality," he said.
Paul Madden, Goal.com
Keep up to date with all the latest Champions League news with Goal.com
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.