Real Madrid's win against Mallorca was kind of expected, but the way they won wasn't. Going behind, and then scoring two goals in quick succession, it was kind of mental.
I am sure it was not on Xabi Alonso's to-do list. I am sure he would have much rather win without much trouble, but even he realises it is not something he can control all the time.
"“Whenever we win, we're happy. The match had its moments. We reacted well after Mallorca's goal. The second half seemed settled, but with Arda's goal, which would have given us a lead, it was closer. It was a hard-fought victory," were Alonso's words after the game, and I can't blame him.
Xabi Alonso was greatly impressed with Alvaro Carreras
There was one thing that has been a consistent theme in all these performances, though. It is Alvaro Carreras playing as well as anyone, making everyone believe he has been around for years, while in reality it has not even been two months.
Carreras was once again impressive against Mallorca on Saturday, with not just a goal-saving clearance on the goal-line, but also a big contribution going forward.
He put in a brilliant cross for Dean Huijsen, who laid it off to Arda Guler for his goal, and it was good to see Carreras perform the way he was.
Alonso thought the same, and he said a lot of good things about the player.
He said: “I was already following him and was very happy to see him arrive. It wasn't possible at the World Cup, but it's now. He knows the club, and you expect that to be good, but his level is extraordinary.
"He does almost everything well. He's a great addition, both for the present and the future.”
Those must be great things for Carreras to hear from his new manager at his new club after just three games.
Let's also not act like Fran Garcia did not have a brilliant Club World Cup campaign, and yet, he is nowhere to be seen or missed because of the performances from the former Benfica man.
Carreras is the more complete defender anyway, so there is not much debate in who will start most games, but even then, to put your foot down at a club like Real Madrid in your first three games is something that even the best players are not able to do. That is good for everyone involved.