Real Madrid Storm Into New Season Ready to Conquer After Summer Setbacks Rock the Bernabeu
Just 41 days separate Real Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup elimination and the beginning of their 2025–26 La Liga season.
A month prior, Real Madrid harbored hopes of claiming their inaugural trophy under Xabi Alonso's guidance. The Spanish powerhouse maintained an undefeated streak in the United States and stood just one game away from reaching the Club World Cup final.
However, they were thoroughly outplayed by reigning European and French champions Paris Saint-Germain. Los Blancos endured a crushing 4–0 loss that knocked them out of the Club World Cup semifinals, concluding their 2024–25 season without securing any major silverware.
Everything went wrong for Real Madrid that day. Dean Huijsen faced suspension, Trent Alexander-Arnold dealt with injury issues, and defensive errors handed PSG two easy goals. Adding to their troubles, Alonso deployed a puzzling attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Gonzalo García and Vinícius Júnior that failed to create any meaningful chances at MetLife Stadium.
The defeat provided Real Madrid with crucial insights that must be quickly applied if they wish to reclaim the Spanish title from Barcelona. Los Blancos' first challenge comes in their La Liga season opener against Osasuna, where both Alonso and his squad will aim to begin a fresh campaign free from the errors that marred the Club World Cup semifinals—and even the previous season.
A New Defensive Era for Real Madrid
Unless unexpected developments occur, a revamped defensive line will feature prominently in Real Madrid's encounter with Osasuna. Álvaro Carreras, Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold are expected to make their Santiago Bernabéu debuts, with Éder Militão completing Alonso's defensive quartet.
These defensive additions already provide Los Blancos with greater stability than they possessed not only during the Club World Cup semifinals, but throughout most of the previous campaign. Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni can now return to their preferred midfield roles while Raúl Asencio will remain firmly on the substitutes' bench.
Alonso might have preferred implementing his preferred three-man defense to grant Carreras and Alexander-Arnold complete attacking freedom on the left and right flanks respectively, but with Antonio Rüdiger suspended for this fixture, the manager will probably utilize a more conventional setup.
Nevertheless, Alonso must urge both his central defenders and wing-backs to participate in the team's offensive play. Alexander-Arnold's passing range and inventiveness brings a fresh dimension to Real Madrid that the squad should incorporate into their tactical approach whenever possible. Militão also poses a danger during set-piece situations, and Huijsen should be encouraged to launch accurate long passes forward when opportunities arise.
Provided the restructured backline capitalizes on its advantages, it will achieve success against Osasuna. Should they struggle, Thibaut Courtois will be ready to deliver outstanding performances, as he has consistently done since arriving in the Spanish capital.
All Eyes Are on Real Madrid's Attack
Alonso's most significant tactical choice involves his attacking formation rather than his defensive setup. It's certain that the Spanish manager will restore Vinícius Júnior to his natural left-wing position after the unsuccessful experiment of deploying the Brazilian on the right during their American tour. The same applies to Kylian Mbappé, who will receive the starting role as the team's central striker.
The uncertainty then centers on who will occupy the right-wing position. Rodrygo represents the clear—and probably optimal—choice currently available. The Brazilian international has lost favor with Alonso, however, and hasn't featured in his starting eleven since the Club World Cup's opening fixture.
Certainly, there are disadvantages to fielding Rodrygo alongside Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé, many of which were evident throughout the previous season. But the 24-year-old possesses exactly the qualities that would flourish under Alonso's system. He demonstrates selflessness, consistently seeking to create opportunities for teammates in attacking areas, and shows greater willingness to press than either of his fellow forwards.
Brahim Díaz remains another possibility, but the Moroccan lacks both the technical ability and goal-scoring prowess of Rodrygo. If Alonso seeks to move beyond his Club World Cup errors, he should finally restore the Brazilian to his starting formation.
There's always the chance that Alonso fields only Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé in attack, but without Jude Bellingham's availability, the manager will probably maintain his three-man forward line.
Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé Must Improve Their Work Rate
Regarding Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé, these two star players cannot endure another campaign showing reluctance to contribute when not in possession. Throughout the last season, both forwards faced criticism for their casual defensive approach and their hesitation to engage in pressing duties.
These obvious problems were clearly visible during the Club World Cup semifinals, where Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé depended on their teammates to provide defensive cover. Bellingham and Arda Güler covered extensive ground, performing double duty, while Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé simply waited for possession to return to them.
When measured against Ousmane Dembélé's intensity, their contributions appeared inadequate at best. Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé must dedicate themselves to delivering complete performances for the full 90 minutes, not merely when Real Madrid possess the ball.
Los Blancos will achieve limited success if both players remain unwilling to embrace Alonso's more intense, structured approach to football. Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé must engage in pressing, provide defensive support and most importantly, cover significant distances if Real Madrid hopes to truly overcome their Club World Cup disappointments.