The former Liverpool midfielder does not think that los Blancos have become overly reliant on the Portugal international, who plundered two more goals in a 3-0 win in Bilbao.
Xabi Alonso insists that Real Madrid are not dependent upon Cristiano Ronaldo and claims that the entire team have “come good” at exactly right stage of the season.
Ronaldo was once again the star of the show as los Blancos cruised to a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening, scoring twice – a stunning free kick and a bullet header – before setting up Gonzalo Higuain for a goal of his own.
However, when asked during his post-game interview with Canal + if Madrid suffer from an acute case of ‘Cristianodependencia‘, Alonso replied: “No, but he’s very important.
“He wants to play every game and he scores many goals; goals that are so crucial.
“But we have come good at the right time. We are in very good shape, so we now just have to see what will happen in the final games of the season.”
Alonso was particularly pleased with the way in which Madrid upped their game during the second half of the club’s final outing at San Mames.
“Athletic have a particular way of playing: it’s very intense,” the former Liverpool man explained. “But we competed well with them and we were much better in the second half, more relaxed.
“It’s a special victory and a great result that keeps us in second position. And I have always enjoyed it when I have come here. It is inevitable that it will be missed.”
Jose Mourinho’s men’s victory sees them move three points back in front of city rivals Atletico Madrid who routed Granada 5-0 earlier in the evening.