Alonso happy with Real endeavour

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso praised his team-mates after their narrow 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday.

Real struggled to impose their authority on the game as Sociedad stuck to their defensive approach, but a neat finish from in-form striker Gonzalo Higuain earned maximum points in San Sebastian to send Jose Mourinho’s men top of the table.

Alonso said that he was pleased with both Real’s display and the final result.

“The match was open despite the fact we didn’t have too much trouble. We found it somewhat difficult, but we gave a good performance overall,” Alonso said.

“Real Sociedad pressurised more, especially in the second half, and we failed to score a second strike that would have allowed us to be calmer.”

Alonso’s side travel to meet French club Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday.