Xabi Alonso Faces Make-or-Break Moment as Three Pivotal Decisions Could Seal His Real Madrid Future
Real Madrid enter the November international break following consecutive setbacks, presenting Xabi Alonso with multiple challenges he needs to examine and resolve before league play returns.
The 15-time European champions began the 2025–26 campaign flawlessly under their new manager, securing seven straight victories across all tournaments. Even a heavy El Clasico loss barely slowed Real's momentum, as they proceeded to claim six additional consecutive triumphs.
However, a 1–0 loss at Anfield followed by a scoreless stalemate against Rayo Vallecano in back-to-back fixtures before the final international period has raised concerns across the Spanish capital. Multiple weaknesses are becoming increasingly evident, particularly if Los Blancos aim to reclaim their domestic and European titles.
Three specific problems require attention—and these are challenges Alonso must resolve to accomplish his objectives.
3. Right Wing Instability
Uncertainty exists regarding Alonso's optimal choice to field alongside Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé in attack. The Spanish tactician has utilized Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler, Rodrygo, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, yet the right flank has produced minimal output.
Mastantuono, currently injured with a groin problem, has managed only one goal this campaign while Díaz has contributed three times in 13 outings. Güler, Valverde and Camavinga have shown flashes of brilliance, but their natural positions are in midfield. Rodrygo, conversely, hasn't scored since March.
Alonso needs to establish a reliable solution to complete his forward line. Without a genuine right-sided threat, Real continue concentrating play on the left and have become predictable in attack. Trent Alexander-Arnold's comeback will assist, but only if they start diversifying their offensive approach.
2. Defensive Complacency
Alonso was committed to establishing defensive stability at Real, something the club sorely missed previously. The new manager emphasized the importance of every player participating in intense pressing and recovering defensively after losing the ball.
Following experimentation at the Club World Cup, Los Blancos gradually implemented Alonso's methods. Real have conceded multiple goals just once this season and have already recorded eight shutouts.
Nevertheless, in recent fixtures, Alonso's squad has grown sloppy in possession and disinterested without it. Vini Jr and Mbappé, specifically, have lost motivation to defend, forcing Jude Bellingham to cover excessive ground while Aurélien Tchouaméni struggles desperately to shield his defensive line.
Additionally, Thibaut Courtois's outstanding performances, particularly at Anfield, have made the Spanish club appear more defensively sound than reality suggests. Alonso must reinforce his core principles if the team hopes to overcome Europe's elite.
1. Vini Jr and Mbappe's Partnership Issues
Mbappé's explosive season opener concealed many of Real's persistent attacking difficulties. There was little reason to examine his combination play with Vini Jr while the Frenchman was finding the net in 11 straight matches for club and country.
However, the goals have stopped flowing, exposing the same problems Los Blancos faced last term: Vini Jr and Mbappé lack synchronization. The duo operate on different wavelengths frequently, and against organized defenses, their limitations become apparent.
Numerous instances occur when Vini Jr advances down the left wing seeking Mbappé in the penalty box, but the latter isn't making those runs; the France star instead positions himself to collect the ball around the area's perimeter.
In other situations, when Mbappé appears perfectly placed to shoot, Vini Jr retains possession and depends on his dribbling skills to beat several defenders, potentially losing the ball before attempting to include his teammate.
While they have combined effectively this season, in crucial matches requiring important goals, they've remained silent. Actually, Vini Jr hasn't registered a goal or assist in his previous six appearances in the white jersey. Mbappé's most recent strike came against 17th-placed Valencia.
Currently, there's minimal ingenuity between the pair against compact defenses, and one brilliant individual moment won't mask their continued difficulties playing cohesively together.