Xabi Alonso Brings His Magic to Real Madrid: What to Expect in the 2025-26 Campaign

Real Madrid enter the 2025–26 campaign with a fresh manager, four major acquisitions and something to prove.

Last season was a nightmare for Real Madrid as everything went awry. The Spanish powerhouse failed to retain their La Liga, Champions League and Spanish Super Cup crowns, lost all four Clásicos and endured a catastrophic defensive injury plague.

Frustration is mounting in Madrid. Wearing the famous white jersey carries certain expectations, and few players met the standards of the club's prestigious badge last term. Carlo Ancelotti even paid the price with his position.

With the disappointing 2024–25 campaign now behind them, Los Blancos are beginning anew under new head coach Xabi Alonso. The Spanish tactician faces immense pressure to restore silverware to Real Madrid, particularly after the club invested €178 million ($207.6 million) this summer to strengthen their already talented roster.

Los Blancos have already faltered at the FIFA Club World Cup, but the genuine challenge begins in 2025–26.

What Real Madrid Hope to Achieve

It's obvious that Real Madrid aim to restore their supremacy across Europe and Spain. Finishing another campaign without at least one significant trophy is unacceptable for Los Blancos.

While Real Madrid would prefer to conquer both the Champions League and La Liga, they would certainly accept either one. After all, they're working with a new manager and enter the 2025–26 season with their most youthful squad in more than ten years. Additionally, Vinícius Júnior has struggled to recapture his Ballon d'Or-caliber performances since Kylian Mbappé's arrival.

Beyond trophies, the club will prioritize seeking vengeance against Barcelona. The Catalans claimed all four Clásico wins last season, defeating Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, Copa del Rey final and both La Liga encounters.

Indeed, reclaiming the Spanish title from Barcelona remains the primary domestic goal for Los Blancos, but triumphing over their greatest rivals in El Clásico runs a close second.

Key Fixture Dates

El Clásico dominates Real Madrid's calendar. The Spanish giants initially welcome Barcelona at home in late October before traveling to Catalonia for the return match in May. Similar to last season, both encounters could ultimately determine the La Liga championship.

The Madrid derby represents another fixture with trophy consequences. Few venues are more challenging for Los Blancos than the Metropolitano, where Alonso's squad travels in September. Real Madrid will have their opportunity to face their city rivals at the Santiago Bernabéu in March.

Encounters with Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis prove troublesome for Real Madrid too, alongside a visit to the Mestalla, where pandemonium typically ensues.

Major Signings

Trent Alexander-Arnold leads the quartet of stars Real Madrid acquired this summer. The 26-year-old departed his childhood club Liverpool to unite with fellow England international Jude Bellingham at the world's most prestigious club.

The fullback represents one of three defensive additions who moved to the Spanish capital after Los Blancos shipped 84 goals across all competitions last season. Dean Huijsen signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid following an impressive stint at Bournemouth. Like Alexander-Arnold, the 20-year-old immediately became part of Alonso's starting eleven at the Club World Cup.

Álvaro Carreras completes Los Blancos' revamped defense. The Spaniard will battle with Ferland Mendy and Fran García for the starting position on the left side.

Franco Mastantuono, meanwhile, stands as the sole offensive addition Real Madrid secured this summer. The teenager, considered one of football's most promising young prospects, is expected to deputize for the injured Bellingham as the club's new No. 10 to begin the season.

Breakout Stars

Arda Güler is positioned for a breakthrough campaign in white. After two seasons of being mostly ignored by Carlo Ancelotti, Güler faces increased duties under Alonso. The Turkey international has featured in Real Madrid's previous six matches and is destined to become a midfield cornerstone.

Güler's precise passing, dead-ball expertise and creativity in attacking areas make him the ideal candidate to fill the Luka Modrić void in the team's engine room. Moreover, his left foot provides the added danger of spectacular long-range strikes.

Huijsen will also shine for Real Madrid. The Spaniard already demonstrated his quality in the United States this summer, helping Real Madrid appear more defensively solid in five games than throughout the entire previous season.

Beyond his versatility in both four and three-man defenses, Huijsen is already Los Blancos' most accomplished ball-playing defender. From his Toni Kroos-style diagonal passes to his composed possession play, the center-back offers a multifaceted asset Real Madrid have lacked in their backline for years.

Season Prediction

If Alonso demonstrated anything during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, it was his ability to secure consistent results throughout a campaign to claim a championship. Under the Spaniard's guidance, Real Madrid's talented squad possesses the tools to unseat Barcelona. The Catalans only captured La Liga by four points last season, while Real Madrid battled through a disastrous injury epidemic.

It's difficult to imagine Los Blancos achieving similar success in Europe against the continent's elite clubs. They suffered a 4–0 humiliation against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup and lack the team chemistry required to win the Champions League. Real Madrid still possess the talent to advance deep in the tournament, however.

Regarding the Copa del Rey, Los Blancos frequently exit the competition in its early rounds. With their attention heavily focused on La Liga and the Champions League, the tournament typically isn't a priority for the Spanish giants. They've claimed just one Copa del Rey trophy in the past decade.

The Spanish Super Cup, conversely, involves only a semifinal and final. Real Madrid will fancy their chances of overcoming Atlético Madrid in the semifinals, but Barcelona hold the psychological edge in the final.