Madrid splashed out over 250million euros on new players this summer, and seven of the eight additions were included in Manuel Pellegrini's staring XI for last night's curtain-raiser against Depor at the Bernabeu.

With so many new faces in their side, Madrid understandably looked disjointed at the outset and their defence, which was missing first-choice duo Pepe and Sergio Ramos, was found wanting on various occasions by a Depor side keen to match their win over the capital club in the opening game of last season.

Despite that though, Madrid managed to pick up a three-point haul after Lassana Diarra's 25-yard strike on the hour mark sealed a 3-2 win, and for Alonso that was the most vital thing.

The recent recruit from Liverpool believes that while the team may be having some early teething problems, they are moving in the right direction.

"The important thing was to win the match and we achieved that. It's normal that we weren't on top form because there are so many new players. We are not at 100% yet but you can see we are improving," he said.

"We have all just started, so we need to take things bit by bit. We played at a good pace throughout the 90 minutes and with more games we will do even more.

"We all played some minutes during the pre-season, but less than we would have wanted. We are gradually getting to know each other and things will get better."

Alvaro Arbeloa, who also swapped Liverpool for Madrid this summer, added on his club's website: "The most important thing were the three points. We will gradually play better but the key thing was to win this match.

"It's clear that with such an attacking team we will concede goals. We will work hard to improve in defence."