Alonso: The first penalty can be avoided. Mastantono can start or substitute

In the first round of the club World Cup group stage, Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Riyadh Crescent. After the game, Real Madrid coach Alonso accepted an interview with the media.

What do you like the most and dislike the team's performance?

"No doubt. We knew it long ago. If someone thought everything would work perfectly, we knew what would work well and what would need to be improved. With quality of the ball and better control, we were able to gain the upper hand. We failed to do that in the first half."

Didn't see what the training these days showed in the first half, are you frustrated?

"Not frustration. We knew it took time. Instead, I saw the reaction in the second half. What we discussed was done better. Everything took time and repeated practice to fit in better. We only had 9 days and only had three training sessions, which was a process. Obviously, we had requirements for results because we were playing in an event, but we also wanted to learn and clarify what kind of team we wanted to be."

In which part did you see the team's identity?

"The second half is more than the first half. Good ball possession, width, balance, rib players, able to attack the wide lane, and put pressure on higher positions after conceding the ball. These are things we can do better in the second half. We did a harder job in the first half. It wasn't an excuse, but the weather was very hot. It was also a game that was difficult to get into the rhythm quickly. For example, Raul Asensio, who was taking antibiotics and was struggling in the first half, so he made a substitution adjustment. Vinicius had cramps in the 70th minute. The conditions were very strict. Riyadh Crescent was exhausted in the end, and we retained a little physical advantage, which made me satisfied."

What do you think the Riyadh Crescent's game level is?

"I'm not surprised because I've watched a lot of their games. They have changed to new coaches. There are some players on the team who have played in the top level and are a very good team."

About Inzaghi's system

"We had questions before, and I don't know if he will successfully use the three-center-back system like Inter Milan. Riyadh Crescent is more accustomed to playing four-backs. We have discussed different scenarios, but it was not very sure at the time."

What do you think of those two penalty kicks?

"I couldn't see clearly. I saw Fran Garcia's penalty (referral) on the spot, and I think it was a penalty. The other penalty happened a bit far from me. These are key penalty, and the first one (referral) can be avoided."

What needs to be improved in the next game?

"The main difference between the first half and the second half is the balance when there is a ball. In the second half, we hold the ball more stably, with a longer inward-out possession time, and a little closer to the opponent. In the first half, we didn't control the ball for a long time, and our opponents gradually occupied more weight and space. Today's weather conditions are not conducive to pressure. In the second half, as our offensive performance improves, we improve. Although it is not good enough, it is indeed better."

Can a 17-year-old player like Mastantono start in a big team like Real Madrid?

"Time will prove. But of course he can start or come on the bench. Our idea is to let him help from the beginning. We have high hopes for him. He will arrive in August, and it will be clearer, but we are happy."