Xabi Alonso's Four Strategic Moves That Could Transform Real Madrid's Clash Against Pachuca
As Real Madrid prepares for their upcoming encounter against Pachuca, Xabi Alonso faces mounting pressure to address his squad's lackluster showing in their previous outing.
For the first time in four years, Real Madrid began a match without Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. The Spanish giants faced Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium with Alonso leading from the sidelines, but could only secure a disappointing 1–1 stalemate.
Real Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup opening match did feature some positive moments, notably Dean Huijsen's remarkable debut and Gonzalo García's standout display. However, the Madrid side continued to struggle with familiar problems that cost them silverware in the previous campaign.
Alonso must now find ways to revitalize Real Madrid before they meet Pachuca at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, June 22.
Below are four potential strategies Alonso could implement to enhance Los Blancos' prospects of claiming their maiden FIFA Club World Cup triumph.
Deploy Arda Güler from the Start
Perhaps the most straightforward adjustment for Alonso would involve Arda Güler. The 20-year-old talent was surprisingly omitted from the new manager's starting lineup against Al Hilal, finding himself on the bench once more.
However, Güler delivered an exemplary performance when called upon in Real Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup opener. The Turkish midfielder entered the match at the interval and immediately transformed the game's dynamics for Real Madrid.
He nearly scored within moments of his introduction, hitting the post, and went on to create the most scoring opportunities (3) despite featuring for only 45 minutes. His left foot poses a constant threat to opposing defenses, while his inventiveness in attacking areas represents Los Blancos' most effective weapon against defensive setups.
Güler could replace Rodrygo on the right flank, or Alonso might consider implementing a four-man midfield configuration that includes the promising youngster. Regardless of the approach, it's increasingly evident that Real Madrid perform optimally with Güler in the lineup.
Try Alternative Tactical Setups
It remains premature to determine which formation Alonso will ultimately favor at Real Madrid. Having managed just one match, with nearly 10 players unavailable, there isn't sufficient data to draw definitive conclusions.
However, one aspect was evident—Real Madrid struggled significantly in their 4-3-3 formation. Alonso's team had difficulty retaining possession during the opening period and frequently found themselves under pressure at both ends of the field. Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared vulnerable when isolated on the right side, Aurélien Tchouaméni was effectively functioning as a central defender, and Jude Bellingham had minimal impact on proceedings.
After the break, Alonso substituted Raúl Asencio for Güler, enabling the manager to modify his team's structure. From the second half's opening moments, Real Madrid operated with a three-man defense comprising Tchouaméni, Huijsen, and Fran García, while Alexander-Arnold advanced to a more attacking midfield position.
Although the team maintained this formation for only 20 minutes before reverting to a four-man defense when Alexander-Arnold was substituted in the 65th minute, during that brief period, Real Madrid had Al Hilal desperately defending. Los Blancos enjoyed their most dominant spell of the contest with three defenders, providing Alonso with important tactical insights for future matches.
Whether the manager chooses to implement his preferred three-man defense again or switch to a 4-2-3-1 to better utilize Bellingham in attack, Alonso should consider moving away from the 4-3-3 system.
Increase Luka Modrić's Playing Time
In a match where Real Madrid desperately needed creative spark, Luka Modrić received only six minutes plus additional time. While it's unreasonable to expect the 39-year-old Modrić to start regularly during this summer's tournament in the United States, he can certainly contribute more than brief cameo appearances.
Modrić concluded the 2024–25 campaign with 57 appearances, ranking second on the team, and recorded nine assists, placing fourth among his teammates. Despite his advanced age, he remains capable of making meaningful contributions when given adequate opportunities.
Real Madrid might have secured victory against Al Hilal had they utilized someone with Modrić's vision and set-piece expertise for longer than a token appearance. Additionally, the Croatian captain would have provided essential stability and composure to Los Blancos' midfield, which failed to control the match's rhythm.
Limiting a Ballon d'Or recipient to merely six minutes in a drawn game was a puzzling choice by Alonso, one he could rectify against Pachuca.
Establish a Clear Penalty Specialist
Penalty conversion has become a significant concern for Real Madrid. Los Blancos have failed to score seven of their previous 19 penalties across all competitions. Fede Valverde joined the list of players in white to miss from the penalty spot, forcing Real Madrid to accept just one point against Al Hilal.
The Uruguayan becomes the fourth player to miss a penalty for Real Madrid since the 2024–25 season began. Kylian Mbappé missed three attempts, Vinícius Júnior failed twice, and Bellingham missed once during Ancelotti's final tenure.
Despite these failures, Real Madrid's penalty hierarchy begins with Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, followed by Bellingham. However, Alonso must determine who should take responsibility when these three stars are absent from the field.
Valverde stepped up at Hard Rock Stadium when arguably Modrić should have attempted the 12-yard effort. This decision ultimately cost Los Blancos two valuable points, a mistake that cannot be repeated if they aspire to win the FIFA Club World Cup.