Madrid's Fortress, Attack in Flux: Alonso's Real Madrid Rewrites the Playbook

Defensive Solidity, Attacking Uncertainty

Real Madrid has reshaped its image since Xabi Alonso took charge, delivering noticeably sharper defensive discipline and a sturdier backline than in recent years. Yet up-front efficiency remains under scrutiny after a run of results that raised questions, even as the team leads La Liga and sits among the top eight in Europe.

According to AS, Madrid heads into the international break at the top of the league, three points clear of Barcelona, and holding a notable position in the Champions League group stage (seventh with nine points from four matches).

The story began with 13 wins in the first 14 games, hinting at a new era of dominance, but a dip in attacking output in the last two fixtures against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano has rekindled doubts and cast Alonso’s project into light and shade.

Defensive Solidity, Attacking Uncertainty continues to be a talking point as the season unfolds.

Solid Defense, Rising Stars

One of Alonso’s standout feats is building a robust defensive system. Madrid have conceded only 12 goals in 16 games, averaging 0.75 per game, down from 1.24 last season.

They have kept clean sheets in eight matches, 50% of the time, a sharp rise from 34% under Carlo Ancelotti last season.

Returning Stars and Tactical Tweaks

Alonso has revived players who had drifted, with Aurélien Tchouaméni now a central pillar in midfield, and Arda Güler becoming a key piece in the system thanks to his harmony with Mbappé, providing six decisive setups for his strike partner.

Mbappé’s return to top form stands as another major achievement, with 18 goals in 16 matches—an eye-opening rate that, if sustained, could push the season tally well past the 70s.

Beating Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico gave the coach a big lift after ending Flick’s dominance, but after that peak the spotlight shifted to Anfield and Vallecas, where shadows appeared again.

High-Press Decline

The biggest concern has been the high press, especially against Liverpool; Madrid looked disjointed and unable to implement Alonso’s ideas. Against Rayo, they recovered 28 balls in the opponent’s half, while at Anfield it was only 19, down from an average of 32 previously, and the numbers spiked to 45 and 46 against Aviedo and Valencia respectively, signaling a notable drop in intensity.

Substitutions Without Impact

In Leverkusen, Alonso was known for game-changing substitutions, but in Madrid that influence hasn’t consistently materialized. At Anfield he made three changes, and four against Rayo, with little immediate effect. Overall, changes this season have yielded a single goal (Vinícius Jr. against Alavés).

Form Dips and Dressing Room Questions

A number of regulars haven’t reached their usual standard, notably Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo, with Diaz starting only four matches this season (including against Rayo) and Rodrygo not scoring since March, underscoring a dip in form.

Vinícius and the Locker Room

The handling of Vinícius after an incident in the Clasico has appeared measured; Alonso’s patience seems to have yielded a positive response, with the Brazilian looking more active against Rayo, though the long-term impact on locker-room dynamics remains to be seen.

Ferl and Arnoldo: Right Flank Debate

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence from the starting lineup against Rayo raised questions, especially after his return from injury, as that might have allowed Valverde back into midfield. The right flank remains a work in progress as Alonso experiments with the formation and personnel—trying to lock down a dependable combination with Camavinga and other options still in contention.

Gonzalo Garcia’s Mysterious Path

The coach handed Gonzalo García a chance after his standout World Cup club form, a reminder of how youth can push the envelope. He scored four goals in the Club World Cup, which forced Indrick (Endrick) to explore a loan. Yet García was overlooked in the subsequent matches against Valencia, Liverpool and Rayo, coming on only late in the game, a move that has sparked questions about his long-term role in the squad.

Thus, Real Madrid under Alonso looks like a well-drilled, defense-first machine, but the hunt for a clear attacking identity and consistent results continues in the weeks ahead.

Sniper joke 1: Alonso’s defense is so tight, even the offside trap filed a restraining order against the attackers. Sniper joke 2: If Madrid start clicking in attack, we’ll need a dentist—because those goals will give the net a bite you can actually feel.