Features
Three things Real Madrid fans can look forward to seeing under Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso has taken over as Real Madrid’s new manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. For many fans, this is more than just a coaching change as it feels like a homecoming, something that even the Spaniard admitted.
Alonso is not a familiar face. As a player, he won major titles with Real Madrid and Spain. As a manager, he has earned respect by leading Bayer Leverkusen to break Bayern Munich’s long-time dominance in the Bundesliga.
His coaching career is only just beginning, but he already has a clear philosophy, strong leadership, and a winning mentality.
Last season was forgettable for Real Madrid. With Ancelotti at helm, there were moments when the team lacked direction on the pitch.
However, fans are now hopeful that Alonso can bring back the club’s identity and energy and on that note, let’s look at what to expect from Real Madrid under his leadership.
Tactical changes that matter
Under Ancelotti, Real Madrid often switched between formations like 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 4-4-2. While flexible, this made it hard for players to build rhythm or chemistry.
Key players such as Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo could not perform upto their usual standards, even though Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. had some bright moments.
Alonso is expected to bring more structure. He prefers a three-at-the-back system that encourages full-backs to play higher up the pitch.
This could be a game-changer, as players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras are known for their attacking style, and Alonso’s system will allow them to do what they do best – push forward and create chances.
At the same time, defence won’t be ignored. With strong defenders like Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, and young Raul Asencio in the backline, Alonso has the right mix of youth and experience to keep things solid at the back.
This system won’t just improve shape, it will also bring a sense of purpose. Every player will know their role, and fans can expect a more organised and exciting team.
Interestingly enough, this tactical shift could also spell the end of some players in the current roster, with the likes of Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo being touted as posstible victims.
Discipline and fair play for all
One of the major issues last season was a lack of accountability. Some players seemed too comfortable with their starting spots, and that affected the team’s energy and hunger. Alonso is unlikely to let that continue.
Aleix Garcia, who played under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, recently shared some insight. “He doesn’t like to make fun of things. He likes training to be the time to work,” he said.
A standout example of Alonso’s no-nonsense approach came when he benched Florian Wirtz, one of his best players, just for arriving late to training. That kind of decision sends a clear message that no one is bigger than the team.
Furthermore, he also expects his attacking players to defend. “He wants all the players to run and be involved in defense. I know he wants to try to involve the attacking players, especially to make that effort,” explained the Leverkusen midfielder.
This will be an interesting challenge at Real Madrid, as stars like Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. are not known for tracking back. If Alonso can get them to press and defend more, it could completely change the team’s dynamics.
Managing big egos at a club like Real Madrid is never easy, but Alonso’s clear expectations and fair treatment of all players might be exactly what the team needs.
He has already shown he is not afraid to make bold choices for the good of the group.
A pathway for the youth
Another area where Alonso could make a big difference is in how young players are treated. Real Madrid’s academy is full of talent, but over the years, very few have made it to the first team.
Players like Raul Asencio only got chances due to injuries or lack of other options. Alonso, however, is known for spotting and developing young talent.
This could be a turning point for Real Madrid’s youth system. Arda Guler, who did not play much under Ancelotti, is expected to have a more important role next season.
Furthermore, the potential return of Nico Paz, who had been away, is another sign that youth could be a priority.
There are even more names being discussed. Reports suggest that Joan Martinez, Jacobo Ramon, and Jesus Fortea could join the first team under Alonso.
If this happens, it would mark a major shift in how the club sees its future, not just relying on expensive signings, but building from within.
Alonso himself came through a strong footballing background and understands the value of giving chances to young players.
His belief in hard work, along with his ability to spot potential, means fans could see a fresh generation of stars rise at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Features
Diomande’s debut, Guler’s cameo, Goalscoring duo | Three takeaways from Real Madrid 4-1 Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid’s win over Inter Milan midweek was appreciated and criticised at the same time, primarily because they seemingly escaped from defeat and dished out a poor showing.
Last night, Real Madrid partially turned that situation around by dominating Rayo Vallecano throughout the first-half and killing the game early on, eventually registering a 4-1 win.
There were reasons for worry to take away from the game, primarily the team’s lack of energy after the break, and inability to hold on to possession and create chances of importance.
However, as the manager reiterated in his press conference, his team’s style is not one where they build up to goals but one where pace and counters rule. In that sense, Los Blancos dished out a strong performance.
Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Real Madrid 4-1 Rayo Vallecano.
It’s always them
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have been carrying Real Madrid’s attack almost single-handedly so far this season, and last night was no different.
The Frenchman was the one to open the scoring for Los Blancos from the penalty spot after Álvaro Carreras went down in the box, and then went on to produce a brilliant link-up play with the defender for the team’s second goal.
With a goal and an assist to his name already, Mbappe then struck in added time in the second half to complete the demolition of Rayo Vallecano with another perfect finish, and even hit the post once in the game.
Jude Bellingham, meanwhile, got on the end of Vinicius Jr.’s cut-back and hit it brilliantly first-time to slot it past the goalkeeper and register his name on the scoresheet.
At this point, it has become customary for both stars to score for Real Madrid and they are devastating in the final third. While it may be worrying that the team does not have any other major goalscoring outlets, the duo have proven to be reliable and consistent.
Yan Diomande’s full debut
The inclusion of Yan Diomande in the starting lineup last night caught the attention of fans across the globe, for it marked the player’s first start for Real Madrid since his arrival at the club.
With Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz performing impressively on the right-wing in recent games, there was serious pressure on Diomande to make the most of his start/
While he may not have registered a goal or an assist on the night, his performance was impressive and he left a mark with the energy and pace he brought.
In 72 minutes against Rayo Vallecano, Diomande was reliable on the ball and completed 92% of his attempted passes. He also racked up two key passes and had an xA of 0.09.
The new signing completed three of four attempted dribbles and two of three attempted crosses, showing that he can be a reliable creator from out wide.
He also put in a solid defensive shift and worked hard off the ball, winning three of three attempted tackles, making two interceptions and winning a staggering nine duels on the night.
A goal or an assist would have made his debut special, but there was a lot of promise in what he showed. There is, however, still a palpable difference in output between him and the other options the manager has trusted, and he has a long way to go.
Arda Guler kills the game
When Diomande left the field in the 72nd minute, it was Arda Guler who came on as his replacement on the right-wing. His arrival, in many ways, turned the game completely around.
Indeed, Real Madrid were already leading by a 3-1 margin at the time and had the game almost sealed. However, the second-half was anything but easy for the men in white.
The Merengues dropped in intensity after the break and did not operate at the same level as they did in the first-half. They appeared fatigued, and there was no energy in the team’s press.
As a result, Rayo Vallecano grew into the game and began creating opportunities of their own and even dominated the play for the first phase of the second half.
Guler’s entry, however, changed everything and brought the dominance back to Real Madrid’s court. Almost immediately, Los Blancos had a sense of purpose and began creating chances at the other end, taking the steam out of Rayo Vallecano’s sail.
In just 18 minutes and added time, Guler provided the assist for Mbappe’s second goal and had a staggering five key passes for Real Madrid. He also created two big chances and two accurate crosses.
Jose Mourinho admitted in his post-game press conference that Guler makes the team instantly better, and it is safe to say that the player currently has the right-wing role locked in for the big nights.
