David Alaba Takes Responsibility for Real Madrid’s Derby Defeat

Real Madrid veteran David Alaba has shouldered the blame for their recent derby loss to Atletico Madrid, as he was involved in all three of the Colchonero goals.

Observers noted that all three of Atletico’s goals originated from similar plays, with Samuel Lino and Saul Niguez cutting in from the left side to deliver crosses. On each occasion, Alaba lost his marker, allowing Alvaro Morata to score twice and Antoine Griezmann once at the back post. Atletico Manager Diego Simeone acknowledged that this had been their game plan.

On Monday, after some time had passed since the defeat, the Austrian defender posted the following message on his Twitter account: “Madridistas, we all expect more! This was not our game, this was not my game! We let you down yesterday, but we will fight back and we will return to what Real Madrid is!”

Alaba is set to form a partnership with Antonio Rudiger for much of the season, replacing the Eder Militao partnership that played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph two years ago. While both Alaba and Rudiger have shown flashes of good form, the current Real Madrid defense does not instill fear in opponents.