Xabi Alonso Takes Blame as Real Madrid Crashes to Historic 75-Year Low

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso took full responsibility for his team's collapse against city rivals Atlético Madrid during Saturday's encounter.

Alonso's squad entered the season's opening derby with tremendous momentum, having secured seven consecutive victories to begin the 2025–26 season across all tournaments, netting 16 goals while allowing only four. They surrendered five this past weekend.

The 5–2 defeat at the Metropolitano marked the first occasion Real had given up five goals to Atlético since a 6–3 loss in 1950, during Santiago Bernabéu's tenure as club president rather than the stadium's namesake.

Atlético surged ahead early and might have easily increased their lead before Kylian Mbappé delivered a stunning equalizer. Arda Güler put Real ahead 2–1 against the odds, but the visitors' individual brilliance couldn't overcome Atlético's clear dominance for long. Alexander Sørloth nodded the home side level just before the break, paving the way for a second-half demolition featuring three consecutive goals.

"It was a poor performance," Alonso acknowledged, "and we deserved to lose." Though noting his team remains "in a development stage," the new manager emphasized, "We have no alibis."

Declining to fault the official—unusual for the Spanish capital—Alonso frankly stated: "We struggled with ball possession, and defensively, we were extremely vulnerable in challenges.

"This disappoints everyone, including our supporters, certainly. We accept complete accountability." Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone was equally eager to claim responsibility for the outcome.

Diego Simeone Revels in Tactical Masterclass

Prior to Saturday's derby, Simeone assembled his squad and posed a question. "Regarding the significant aspects of your lives, is anything troubling you?"

When everyone indicated no, the Argentine tactician responded: "Then go out there and enjoy yourselves. A footballer's career passes swiftly, and opportunities like these don't return."

This display was one for Atlético to cherish. The home team dominated early proceedings through a calculated tactical approach that Simeone emphasized after the match.

"Madrid rank among the world's elite teams," he stated. "We needed an exceptional performance today. From kickoff, we identified our attacking opportunities, with wide breakthroughs involving Nico [González], [Pablo] Barrios, Julián [Alvarez], Giuliano [Simeone]... We pulled their center-halves wide and positioned Sørloth centrally to generate scoring chances. Despite their two goals, I believe the team executed well."

Repeatedly, Atlético surged down the wings before delivering crosses toward the penalty area where the imposing Sørloth waited menacingly. Alonso identified the identical weakness: "They compressed us and transitioned rapidly from long passes. Subsequently, they pressured us, preventing us from winning initial challenges... or secondary ones to advance."

The constant aerial assault left Dean Huijsen—who suffered a forgettable derby debut—bewildered and forced Éder Militão off with an injury. Dani Carvajal soon accompanied the center-back to the medical room, ensuring Alonso's defensive problems extend beyond strategic shortcomings.