Madrid’s Defense in Crisis: Alonso’s Real Faces a Fragile Backline

Defensive slump and key stats

Real Madrid is currently navigating a sensitive defensive phase, and the numbers back up the feeling that the team under Xabi Alonso has lost the solidity that characterized its strong start to the season.

The 2-2 draw with Elche at the Martinez Valero stadium confirms a worrying trend: the team has regressed, particularly in pressing after losing possession, something opponents are exploiting with growing intelligence.

The last three matches—two draws and a defeat—clearly reflect this decline.

The goals conceded per game aren’t astronomical on the surface (roughly one per match), with two conceded to Elche, a Mac Allister goal for Liverpool at Anfield, and none against Rayo Vallecano. The issue runs deeper than results.

The team now allows more dangerous chances, and its goal seems more exposed than before.

According to AS, before this trio of games, Madrid averaged 9.7 shots on goal per match. In the last three, that number climbed to 15; at Anfield, Courtois prevented a heavy defeat as Liverpool fired 17 shots. Against Rayo Vallecano, Madrid allowed 13 shots, and 15 more came against Elche.

The story worsens when looking at shots on target: 6 of Elche’s 15 were on target, plus two from Rayo and nine from Liverpool.

The new average stands at 5.7 dangerous efforts per game in this period, up from 3.2 in the previous 14 matches. The gap is large enough to spark serious concern.

The Tactical Trick

Against Elche, it looked as if Alonso briefly deployed a five-man defense, with a line that resembled a three at the back and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia pushing high on the flanks. Yet this impression faded quickly, as the team soon returned to its usual shape with a back four.

Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared in his natural position, while Fran Garcia took an unexpected role as a left winger, attempting to mimic Vinícius Jr.’s role without possessing his attributes.

The formation shifted to 4-2-3-1, but it did not resolve the defensive decline that the team has experienced recently.

The backline injuries cannot be ignored: Militao picked up a fresh injury with Brazil, others are sidelined or not fully fit, with Rudiger not yet ready, and Alaba missing consistency due to muscle issues; Carvajal is not expected back for weeks.

AS notes that Real Madrid has grown used to moments of defensive weakness in recent years, but they usually emerge quickly from them. The current situation is worrisome because the team concedes many chances, presses less, and relies too heavily on Courtois to bail them out.

Alonso’s remarks after the Elche draw

Alonso told AS, “After a run of good results, we hit a stretch where we haven’t achieved what we want. We know what we are chasing and we must push forward without hesitation. We are not satisfied, but the club demands wins, and the road is long.”

He also addressed critics who say the team has collapsed, saying, “The team hasn’t fallen apart. We continue to compete, and we know every match is played in a different context.”

“The results matter, but the spirit shown by the players is positive. In Real Madrid we live with pressure and criticism, and we know how to respond,” he added.

Regarding the harmony within the squad, Alonso was confident about the growing unity, noting, “Communication improves day by day. We’ve spent more time together and our understanding has grown. We face everything as one unit—celebrating victories and feeling the pain of setbacks. Now we must turn this feeling into momentum before the next match against Olympiacos.”

On his decision to move Fran Garcia to a less conventional role, he explained, “That position isn’t new for him. We wanted more width on the flanks and to alter the shape of play. It’s unfortunate that right after the equalizer we conceded, but the moment remained favorable for a comeback.”

Regarding Vinícius Júnior, who again sat on the bench, Alonso stressed there are no concerns about his commitment or discipline. “I don’t worry. I’ve spoken with Vinícius a lot and he knows his role well. We’ve used this approach in other games. All the players want and have the energy to regain positive rhythm.”

On what most worried him during the match, Alonso said, “After the 1-1 draw we lost the required continuity to press. In the first half the team built up well, but we lacked the final push to sustain the pressure.”

With this draw, Real Madrid moved to 32 points at the top of La Liga, one point ahead of second-placed Barcelona, while Elche rose to 16 points in 13th place.

Punchline 1: If this defense were a bank, it would be bankrupt—minus the suspense, plus a few more injuries.

Punchline 2: Madrid’s defense might need to hire a better locksmith—because every time a door with a key pass by, it’s a goal opening.