Atletico Madrid Demolishes Real Madrid 5-2: Three Shocking Revelations From Xabi Alonso's Nightmare
Real Madrid suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Atlético Madrid on Saturday, losing 5–2 in the season's opening Madrid derby.
After a flawless beginning to the 2025–26 campaign, Real Madrid found themselves completely overwhelmed at the Metropolitano. The away side conceded strikes from Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sørloth, Julián Alvarez—who netted twice—and Antoine Griezmann in a comprehensive thrashing.
While Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler attempted to spark a Real Madrid fightback, victory remained elusive for Xabi Alonso's team. The 5–2 defeat marked Los Blancos' first dropped points of the campaign, coming against their cross-city adversaries.
Below are three key observations from the La Liga encounter.
Real Madrid Struggle with Dead Ball Situations
While there's plenty to analyze regarding Real Madrid's defensive shortcomings on Saturday, one issue was particularly glaring—their vulnerability from set pieces. Four of Atlético Madrid's five strikes at the Metropolitano originated from dead ball situations or the immediate aftermath of such deliveries.
A botched clearance following a threatening Alvarez free kick allowed Le Normand to nod home the opening goal. Sørloth then converted Atlético Madrid's second strike moments after what appeared to be an innocuous throw-in.
Alvarez followed up by converting Los Colchoneros' third from the penalty spot before capping off the scoring with a magnificent free kick.
Atlético Madrid found Real Madrid disorganized and unprepared on each occasion, capitalizing with minimal resistance. Alonso's squad appeared desperately in need of returning to the practice pitch to work on their defensive shape and man-marking.
Alvaro Carreras Struggles in Derby Debut
Following his move to the Spanish capital, Álvaro Carreras has impressed for Real Madrid. The left-back ranks among just three players to feature in every 2025–26 fixture, capably deputizing for the sidelined Ferland Mendy.
However, Carreras appeared overwhelmed in his maiden Madrid derby. The defender was unable to handle Pablo Barrios throughout the contest, consistently trailing the Spaniard, who enjoyed considerable freedom down the right flank.
When tasked with defending set pieces, the summer acquisition looked equally uncertain. From hesitant clearances to questionable positioning, Carreras became a defensive weakness within his own area. The fullback completely lost track of Sørloth before halftime and remained motionless as the striker rose to level the score for the home team.
The ex-Benfica talent fared no better in possession. Carreras seemed anxious whenever he received the ball, seeking the fastest possible pass to relieve himself—and frequently his side—of possession.
While one subpar display doesn't negate Carreras' previous solid showings in the white jersey, it might give Alonso pause about selecting the 22-year-old for Real Madrid's most crucial fixtures once Mendy recovers.
Puzzling Comeback for Jude Bellingham
Alonso raised eyebrows by selecting Jude Bellingham for Saturday's clash. The England star had accumulated merely 20 minutes since his injury return, yet suddenly found himself thrust into a Madrid derby at the Metropolitano.
Similar to much of the previous campaign, Bellingham was forced to assist his disjointed defense. The midfielder, who excels when orchestrating Los Blancos' offensive play, spent considerable time retreating to compensate for his teammates' defensive lapses.
Despite having four defenders and two holding midfielders on the field, it was Bellingham who produced a crucial goal-line clearance to prevent Atlético Madrid from scoring a third first-half goal. The 22-year-old finished with a game-leading five tackles and succeeded in nine of his 12 duels across 70 minutes.
Los Blancos require Bellingham's inventiveness and playmaking ability in the attacking third to compete with Spain and Europe's elite; Alonso's offense managed merely two shots on target throughout the entire match. Real Madrid cannot afford such disarray that their primary playmaker becomes their defensive leader.