Xabi Alonso Breaks Down Real Madrid's Shocking Game Plan That Backfired Against Elche
Xabi Alonso justified his unusual lineup decisions and tactical approach after Sunday's disappointing 2-2 stalemate with Elche in La Liga, deploying a fresh formation while keeping Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga among the substitutes.
Alonso chose to deploy an uncommon 3-4-1-2 setup for the journey to Spain's southeastern region, prompted by numerous defensive injuries and several squad members accumulating travel fatigue from international commitments.
Álvaro Carreras was repositioned from his usual left-back role to left-sided central defense, partnering Dean Huijsen and Raúl Asencio, with the latter maintaining his temporary role while Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão and Aurélien Tchouaméni remain sidelined. Fran García received an uncommon starting opportunity as left wing-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold providing balance on the opposite flank and Dani Ceballos anchoring the midfield.
Los Blancos found themselves trailing early in the second period when Aleix Febas netted for Elche, shortly after which García and Ceballos were replaced as part of a triple change that introduced Vinícius, Valverde and Camavinga into the contest.
Madrid restored parity through Huijsen with 12 minutes remaining, before conceding again and depending on a late Jude Bellingham leveler to secure at least one point and maintain their advantage over Barcelona in La Liga's table after 13 matches.
"It's a comfortable position [for García]," Alonso maintained after the match while defending the unsuccessful tactical gamble.
"He's featured there frequently. Following the game, the players who remained [during international break] had additional preparation time, and those on the bench were crucial for providing energy in the second period. We sought width along the flanks. It was unfortunate we allowed a goal early when we were attempting to recover. We battled intensely, and following the equalizer, I believe we should have pressed forward more aggressively."
Alonso maintained there was "no issue" since García comprehended and "understood the responsibility" he was expected to fulfill.
Xabi Alonso: 'The Squad Hasn't Crumbled'
Following their draw with Rayo Vallecano prior to the international pause, Real Madrid have now surrendered points in consecutive fixtures against opponents most would anticipate them to defeat comfortably, particularly considering their streak of 10 victories and one defeat from the opening 11 La Liga matches of 2025-26.
"That's football. Following a strong period, we've experienced outcomes that weren't our desired results," Alonso acknowledged.
He noted that nobody can feel "satisfied" with recent weeks, but refuses to sound alarm bells.
"The squad hasn't crumbled," he emphasized. "It continues to compete. The outcomes and performance can be enhanced. We're self-reflective, but morale stays positive. We must persist through challenging times. This is Real Madrid, and we understand we must accept scrutiny."