In the vibrant, often unpredictable theatre of football, even the most majestic narratives encounter their plot twists. For Xabi Alonso`s Real Madrid, a team that had, until recently, glided through the season with an almost ethereal invincibility, that twist arrived with a resounding thud. The occasion was a derby clash against fierce rivals Atletico Madrid, held in the unique, high-stakes setting of the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The outcome? A stunning 5-2 defeat that served as a stark, uncompromising reality check, puncturing the aura of an unbeaten run and posing critical questions about the road ahead.
The Unraveling in Riyadh
From the outset, this wasn`t the Real Madrid fans had grown accustomed to witnessing. The Riyadh Air Metropolitano, a stage typically reserved for grandeur, became the backdrop for a surprising defensive capitulation. Just 14 minutes in, Robin Le Normand put Atletico ahead, a goal that would sadly foreshadow the remainder of the evening for Los Blancos. Atletico`s approach was clear: uncompromising physicality, direct play, and an aerial threat epitomized by Alexander Soloroth. Real Madrid`s fledgling defensive pairing, including Alvaro Carras and Dean Huijsen, appeared overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the relentless pressure. This wasn`t merely a tactical miscalculation; it was a fundamental mismatch in intensity that Atletico exploited with brutal efficiency.
The statistics paint a grim picture: five goals conceded, 13 shots allowed, and an alarming 2.31 expected goals (xG) against them. For a team of Real Madrid`s pedigree, these figures are not just disappointing; they are indicative of deeper structural issues that Atletico ruthlessly exposed. Even Antoine Griezmann, who found himself in an uncharacteristic 22-match LaLiga scoreless drought, managed to break his duck, underscoring just how open and vulnerable Real Madrid`s defense had become.
Alonso`s First Stumble: A Critical Juncture
This comprehensive defeat marks Xabi Alonso`s first loss as Real Madrid manager this season. While every coach faces setbacks, the nature of this particular defeat calls for immediate introspection. Alonso`s side has often demonstrated resilience, even earning crucial penalties while down a man in previous encounters—a testament to their fighting spirit. However, relying on such moments of fortune is unsustainable. This loss, perhaps, is the wake-up call needed for a significant “rethink” of tactical approaches, particularly concerning defensive solidity and handling robust opposition.
The absence of Antonio Rudiger, a lynchpin in previous defensive setups, looms large here. His robust presence and ability to nullify physical threats were sorely missed. While he hasn`t featured prominently under Alonso even when healthy, this match undeniably highlighted the void his specific skillset leaves. Finding an answer to challenges posed by physically dominant attackers will be paramount for Alonso as the season progresses, especially with the demanding schedule ahead.
Flickers of Brilliance Amidst the Gloom
Despite the defensive disarray, not all was lost on the offensive front. Kylian Mbappe, ever the clinical finisher, found the net from a tight angle, showcasing his individual brilliance. Arda Guler also contributed with a beautifully constructed team goal. These moments, while overshadowed by the overall result, serve as a reminder of the prodigious attacking talent at Alonso`s disposal. The potential of a front three featuring Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Mbappe remains tantalizingly high, promising an “unstoppable trio” capable of dismantling any defense—provided they get the support they need from the rear.
Bellingham`s Return: A Double-Edged Sword?
Adding another layer to Real Madrid`s current narrative is the return of Jude Bellingham from shoulder surgery. His re-entry into the squad, making his first appearance of the season, is undoubtedly a boost to both the attack and the team`s pressing game. Yet, the derby showed he still needs to shake off some rust, a natural consequence of time on the sidelines. While this week`s Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty offers a more forgiving environment to regain match fitness, the underlying defensive concerns will persist. Bellingham`s energy in the press is vital, but when that press falters, the center-backs will once again find themselves under intense scrutiny to manage physical threats, highlighting a systemic issue beyond individual form.
The Road Ahead: Learning from Adversity
The beauty of football, particularly in a long season, is the opportunity for redemption and evolution. This heavy defeat, arriving relatively early in Alonso`s tenure, could be a disguised blessing. It provides ample time for the coaching staff to analyze, adapt, and reinforce areas of weakness. The narrative of Real Madrid being a “generational team” isn`t dead; it merely faces its first significant test. How they respond to this setback—how swiftly they address their defensive vulnerabilities and integrate their returning stars—will define their true character and determine whether they can indeed etch their names into the record books this season.
The path to silverware is rarely linear. Sometimes, a humbling loss is precisely what`s needed to sharpen focus, reignite hunger, and forge a truly resilient champion. The stage is now set for Real Madrid`s response, and the footballing world watches keenly.
