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Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso dismisses Pepe handball claims against Getafe
The playmaker insists his Portuguese teammate was not able to move his hand out of the way in time, during a victory which he claims was important for his team's momentum
By Livio Caferoglu
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has defended teammate Pepe for an alleged handball during the Blancos' 1-0 win over La Liga rival Getafe on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho's side dug out a slender victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, but had to endure shouts from the host's 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."
Real Madrid stayed seven points clear of archrival Barcelona at the summit of La Liga after the latter defeated Real Sociedad.
Jose Mourinho's side dug out a slender victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, but had to endure shouts from the host's 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."
Real Madrid stayed seven points clear of archrival Barcelona at the summit of La Liga after the latter defeated Real Sociedad.
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