MADRID :Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso called on his team to learn from their 5-2 thrashing by Atletico Madrid on Saturday, a result he described as both painful and deserved.

The loss was Real's first defeat of the LaLiga season and the first time in 75 years that Atletico have scored five goals against their city rivals.

Alonso, speaking to reporters, admitted that his side had fallen short of their usual standards. "We didn't start well but this is ongoing. We must draw conclusions, because this is ongoing. It's a deserved defeat... we lacked a gear. A defeat that hurts, yes," he said.

Despite the setback, Alonso believes the humbling result could have a silver lining. "Perhaps it will be beneficial for the future. We didn't start well in the duels, in the ball to space. We were too

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