The Japan Times - Real Madrid can show growth in Clasico after Atletico thrashing: Alonso

Los Blancos suffered a humiliating 5-2 beating by rivals Atletico in their only defeat of the season after 12 games across all competition.

Alonso's side hold a two-point lead on Barcelona at the top of the table as they prepare to host the champions this weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Without doubt a few weeks have passed in which we have been correcting things, doing things better," Alonso told a news conference Saturday.

"For tomorrow, we are arriving in a good moment, both in terms of morale, in a footballing sense, our competitive level -- it's a good moment."

Alonso's side were hammered 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals this summer and the Clasico offers them another chance to prove they can handle the biggest occasions.

"These are important games, and I don't just like to evaluate based on result, but on the process, right?" said Alonso.

"In this process of 12 games there has been growth. There's still room to improve but we're just (about to reach) November.

"No trophies have been given out, no medals have been won. There is a long way to go this season, but right now the most important thing is tomorrow. We only have tomorrow's Clasico in our heads."

Last season Barcelona beat Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid in both league Clasicos as well as in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals.

"There could be similar situations (in this game) so we have analysed them, but the moment is different for them and for us," said Alonso, who took charge in June.

"Our project is different, it's starting, we're working on things daily and for tomorrow we will try and bring forward our strengths and have a good game."

Alonso confirmed he would have virtually all players available for the game, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen expected to be fit after injury problems.

K.Abe--JT