Real Madrid's Clasico victory over rivals Barcelona is just a distant memory for Xabi Alonso as he prepares his team to face Valencia in LaLiga this Saturday.
Alonso watched on as his team moved five points clear of Barcelona with a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham on target.
The feisty encounter saw 10 players booked, including red cards for substitute goalkeeper Andrii Lunin, along with Blaugrana midfielder Pedri, as tensions flared in second-half stoppage time.
Earlier in the game, Vinicius Junior also showed his frustrations after being replaced by Rodrygo, heightening tensions with Alonso that have since been resolved earlier this week.
But those three important points have now handed Los Blancos a 69% probability of reclaiming their LaLiga crown, while Hansi Flick's team are handed a 24.2% chance.
And while Alonso acknowledged the importance of their Clasico victory, he insisted that his full focus has since switched to Valencia's visit to the Spanish capital.
"Before the Clasico, we talked about it, which had more value. A victory of that size was important for the team's confidence. But it is time to forget it," Alonso told reporters.
"We have to continue to face every game. When we lower that preparation a little, we will lose points. And we don't want that to happen. I'm fine."
Asked if he had rewatched the Clasico back, Alonso said: "Of course. Many of the things we proposed went well. The team showed a lot of solidity.
"And we were really looking forward to it. That was seen in the boys. They were anticipating the situation. When we are strong, we take the initiative."
Mbappe's Clasico finish continued his fine start to 2025-26, taking his tally to 11 goals, a total only bettered by Bayern Munich's Harry Kane (12) across Europe's top five leagues.
He also continued his remarkable record against Barcelona, becoming just the third player to score in four consecutive Clasico fixtures across all competitions in the 21st century.
The Frenchman is, however, the only outfield player to have started in every single game, and supporters are becoming concerned about Mbappe's workload.
"It always worries me. Not to squeeze the players too much. You also have to know the efforts, the demands," Alonso added.
"There are times when you have to manage those moments. With Kylian, so far it has been like this, but we will see for the future.
"He scored the goals and will score them. Their day-to-day life is very good. He is assuming it with a lot of maturity, and that is very important.
"Then we have to accompany the team to score the goals."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Real Madrid – Vinicius Junior
After a week of controversy surrounding Vinicius both on and off the pitch, the Brazilian will be hoping to do his talking on the hallowed turf at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He has scored nine goals in 12 LaLiga appearances against Valencia, his best tally against a single team in the competition.
Valencia – Hugo Duro
Hugo Duro has scored five goals against Madrid in LaLiga, more than he has netted against any other opponent in the competition.
He could become the first player this century to score in five consecutive LaLiga appearances against Los Blancos, after Samuel Eto'o (four between 2004 and 2005) and Ronaldinho Gaucho (four between 2004 and 2006) also scored in four in a row.