Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid: Five Key Fixes After Shaky Start

Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Osasuna marked the start of the Xabi Alonso era, but the narrow win exposed several pressing issues that must be addressed if Los Blancos are to dominate La Liga this season. The performance at Santiago Bernabeu left little room for optimism, as the side struggled to find rhythm, cohesion, and tactical identity. Here are the five crucial improvements Alonso needs to make to get Real Madrid firing on all cylinders.

Real Madrid’s Need for Defensive Solidity: Carvajal’s Role

Dani Carvajal’s absence was keenly felt against Osasuna, with Real Madrid’s backline looking vulnerable in transition. Alonso must prioritize reintegrating Carvajal, whose leadership and experience on the right flank can help stabilize the defense. His ability to support both defensively and in attack will give Madrid much-needed balance, especially when facing teams that look to exploit the counterattack.

Midfield Balance: Finding the Right Formula

A recurring problem for Real Madrid has been their midfield setup. Against Osasuna, the lack of positional awareness left the defense exposed and failed to provide meaningful support to the attack. Alonso should focus on pairing energetic ball-winners with creative playmakers to ensure that Madrid can control possession while also offering protection in crucial areas. The right blend in midfield will be vital for unlocking stubborn defenses and maintaining composure under pressure.

Resolving the Forward Dilemma: Vinicius and Mbappe

Friction between Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe was clear, with both players often making similar runs and vying for the same spaces. Xabi Alonso must establish clear roles for his attacking stars to ensure they complement rather than hinder each other. Encouraging better communication and tactical flexibility in the final third will be essential for turning Madrid’s attacking prowess into consistent goals.

Injecting Tactical Innovation

Real Madrid under Alonso must move away from predictable patterns and embrace tactical innovation. Fans were left wanting more from the team’s approach in the opener, as the side leaned heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective organization. Introducing new attacking schemes, pressing triggers, and positional rotations will make Real Madrid less predictable and more difficult for opponents to contain.

Maximizing Squad Depth and Reinforcements

With the season just beginning, Xabi Alonso has the opportunity to utilize the depth of his squad. Rotating players efficiently, giving opportunities to emerging talents, and ensuring that veterans remain sharp will help Madrid maintain intensity across all competitions. Managing minutes and adapting line-ups to different challenges will be essential in the long, demanding campaign ahead.

Time on Alonso’s Side—But Not Forever

While Real Madrid secured three points, the performance signaled that relying on individual moments won’t suffice against stronger opposition. The La Liga field may lack depth compared to previous years, but consistency and tactical clarity will be required to fend off rivals like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Alonso has the tools and the talent at his disposal—now, he must mold them into a cohesive, title-winning force.

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Opinion: Early Days, But Urgent Tweaks Needed

There’s no denying the pedigree and potential in this Real Madrid squad, and Xabi Alonso’s arrival brings hope for a new tactical direction. However, the first game revealed clear areas for improvement. If Alonso can resolve the forward conflicts and restore balance to midfield and defense, Madrid can quickly grow into a dominant force. The margin for error is slim, but with early adjustments, the future remains bright at the Bernabeu.