Real Madrid -Baas Xabi Alonso was not entirely happy despite obtaining a FIFA Club World Cup Semi -Laatste place.
The Spanish giants survived a late fear in New Jersey when they insured a 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Metlife Stadium.
First half goals of the form Gonzalo Garcia and defender Fran Garcia put Alonso's charges on the way to victory.
However, there was a series of late turns, when Kylian Mbappe brought his first goal of the competition from the bank home, on both sides of two of Dortmund.
That caused a fear of Alonso and he needed a huge rescue from Thibaut Courtois in the dying seconds to seal a place in the last four against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe's goal for the bank was a timely boost for both the player and his manager when he opened his club World Cup account with a Snapshot -Volley.
However, Garcia's consistency keeps him on the edge of Alonso's starting plans, despite its higher profile.
Alonso has opposed the urge to bring Mbappe back to his first XI, whereby Garcia refunds his faith with starts and goals against Juventus and Dortmund, in successive knockout matches.
The next one is the biggest test of Alonso, while Real Madrid takes on 9 July in New Jersey at PSG in New Jersey, and as it suits, Garcia is the most important man.
After pressing over the line on the side of Niko Kovac, Alonso had a clear message, after almost throwing the victory away.
“Everything was under control, with the result and not admitted. The last 10 minutes were quite crazy. We lost our form and intensity a bit.”
“In general it was a good 80 minutes, but we have to improve the last 10 minutes.
“Gonzalo does great job for the team. He is in the right positions in the box, a real no. 9, I am happy that he is doing well.”
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