Xabi Alonso spoke to the press gathered in the Bernabéu media room to assess his side's win over Juventus on Champions League matchday three: “We knew it would be a hard-fought game and there were certainly moments. In the first half, we struggled to really get into the game early on but we settled down into it as time went by. We came out brilliantly after the break and we enjoyed our best spell after the goal. We had some great moves and we could have put the game to bed with several chances. Then we've got a wonderful goalkeeper who has the quality to stand up when it matters on Champions League nights. 1-0, three points, nine from nine, and we're happy."

“In the last few minutes we were 1-0 up and we had to defend the result. Juve threw people forward, they put the pressure on and had three forwards on the last line of defence. They asked a lot of questions but this is the Champions League and there are no easy wins. Juve are a European giant. There is a time for everything. Knowing what to do in each moment and enjoying it even when you're forced to dig in as a team is to be expected."

Arda Güler, Player of the Match
“Arda is in the process of improving every aspect of his game because he's 20 years old and has made about 30 appearances for Madrid. At his age, with the quality he has, we have to support him. He can improve in his decision-making, the press so he doesn't do too much, but he's got so many positives: he brings clarity to the game, when he's heavily involved he brings a better dynamic to the collective play. Where does he play? That will depend on the demands of each game. I'm delighted with how he's progressing, but we want more."

“He really enjoys playing football and when he feels comfortable, he wants to get on the ball and be involved. Last year, I had Wirtz, and I get the same kind of feeling with Arda. He's a wonderful player and he's playing at an incredible level. When you see him start to enjoy himself, often what I have to say makes little difference."

Praise for Bellingham
“Regardless of the goal, it was a really complete performance from him. It was a difficult game, with very little space, but I was really impressed with him against Getafe, and again today. Then he got the goal as well. I'm thrilled with him, but especially with how he won the ball back time and again, and took up good positions in the box. I'm really pleased for him."

“He's got the ability to be involved in building the play, and the determination to get on the end of things too. He covers a lot of ground and he's so versatile. He knows how to break from the second line and he's got that hunger to score goals. He's one of the most complete players in world football and I'm fortunate to have him here. I ask him to take on a key role and get involved in the game. He's hungry to win, to score goals and to improve."

Was the defence too high?
“In the first ten minutes, we couldn't get things right, we were disorganised. In the second half, when Vlahović got his chance, it was the same mistake, but we're aware of it and we'll fix it. It was a lack of balance that shouldn't be happening.”

Positive on Militão and Huijsen set to make a comeback
“Having Militão back at this level is great news for everyone. We see the incredible performances he's delivering in every game and it's really important that he's finding his form again. He's feeling more powerful and determined in what he's doing all the time. He'll keep getting better too. On Huijsen, I'll let you know on Saturday."

Sunday's Clásico
“We are where we are, and we're in good shape. We'll see what happens on Sunday. We have to recover well tomorrow and then prepare for the game. We're on an upward trajectory and it's a positive thing. The Clásico is hugely significant, because of the game itself, the league table, and the repercussions."

Do you think you need to show more in games like the one on Sunday?
“We understand the significance of Sunday's game, but we're not going to read too much into it. We know it's hugely important and we'll treat it as such. It's too early to be decisive in the league, but of course it has an impact in the moment. It's a red-letter day on the calendar, for sure. We haven't spoken too much about it so far, but we will do so starting now."