David Alaba enjoyed a triumphant return to action as Real Madrid eased past Tirol 4-0 in a friendly that felt like a homecoming for the Austrian star.
Playing in front of a lively crowd in his own country, Alaba looked sharp and confident after weeks of focused recovery work.
“I feel happy. It’s my country, and I think the atmosphere was very good. I’m very happy,” he shared after the match.
The 32-year-old confirmed he is close to his peak again following his injury layoff. “I’m much better. I’m almost 100 percent, I feel very good, I’ve trained very hard.”
In a twist to his usual defensive duties, Alaba was deployed in central midfield, a position he has experience with earlier in his career. “It’s different playing in central midfield, but I’ve known it before, for many years,” he noted.
With just one week left before Madrid’s first competitive match, Alaba’s form and versatility are welcome signs for the Spanish giants. “We’re doing very well. We have one week before the first game.”
