Los Blankos!
Lopetegui dismisses shaky future after misfiring Real hit goal drought
VITORIA: Julen Lopetegui insisted it is too early to be questioning his future despite Real Madrid suffering a shock defeat by Alaves to make it four games without a victory.
It is four games without a goal too for the European champions, their longest scoring drought since 1985, as Manu Garcia headed home in the 95th minute to send the Mendizorrotza Stadium wild on Saturday.
It is the first time they have beaten Real at home in 87 years.
Alaves fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate their stunning 1-0 win and the chants continued long after the final whistle.
For Real, this was another body blow and to make matters worse, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, their chief attacking threats, were both forced off injured. Bale had missed the Champions League loss to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday with a groin strain.
It means Barcelona can go three points clear if they win their game in hand against Valencia on Sunday while Alaves’ excellent start to the season continues. They move up to third, level on points with Real.
Lopetegui had been asked on Friday if he felt under pressure at the club he left Spain for on the eve of the World Cup and the question was put to him again after the match here.
“It interests you but is not a question that concerns me,” Lopetegui said.
“We know what the life of a coach is, especially at Real Madrid, but we also know it is October and you have to keep perspective and stay calm.”
Talk of change feels premature but it will increase if Real fail to find fluency soon and, in particular, if Barca pull away. The Clasico at the Nou Camp looms at the end of the month.
“We are disappointed,” Lopetegui added. “In the end, defeat is a harsh punishment.”
Thibaut Courtois took over from Keylor Navas in goal and was at fault for Alaves’ winner. The Belgian edged out but failed to claim a cross, leaving Garcia to head into any empty net.
Supporters behind that goal had unfurled three banners during the match that read: “A club is not made great by their titles but by their people”.
Some of the 19,000 fans here might have seen their team beat Real at the Bernabeu in 2000, but not at home. It was 1931 when that last happened.
There was a UEFA Cup final too in 2001, which they lost to Gerard Houllier’s Liverpool, but recent years have been tough, with three seasons spent in the third tier. Alaves climbed their way back up and reached the final of the Spanish King’s Cup in 2017. But for drama, this will be hard to beat.
“I feel very proud,” Garcia said. “It is the most beautiful day of my sporting life.”
Bale had been passed fit to start while Luka Modric and Ramos returned after being rested against CSKA.