Xabi Alonso backed his Real Madrid team to turn their season around -- saying "it's a long season" -- after they were held 1-1 at Girona on Sunday, in their third consecutive draw in LaLiga.

Madrid went behind to Azzedine Ounahi 's 45th minute strike at Montilivi, before Kylian Mbappé levelled from the penalty spot, but the visitors were unable to complete a comeback.

The result leaves Madrid a point behind rivals Barcelona at the top of the table, with Barça set to host fourth-placed Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.

"In the second half we improved, we had more chances," Alonso said in his post-match news conference. "We weren't clinical, to get the three points. But it's a very long season, and we have to keep going."

Madrid began the season well -- winning 10 of their first 11

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