Xabi’s transformative symphony at Real Madrid

26/08/2025 07:34:00 pandatv

If everyone desires to witness a new Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso will deliver it with a thorough revolution when the Galacticos play away at Oviedo.

Few managers switch out half their starting eleven after only two games, but Xabi Alonso does so casually: Vinicius on the bench, Rodrygo starting, Mastantuono making his debut start in place of Brahim, Carvajal replacing Trent, and Rudiger stepping in for Militao.

Alonso’s changes

These alterations are designed to enhance the cohesion of the entire Real squad and send a clear message that no spot at the Bernabeu is guaranteed, not even for stars like Vinicius.

Tactically, the Galacticos play in a way unseen under Ancelotti: dominant, aggressively pressing immediately after losing possession, creating spaces, and maintaining high intensity. These players have vision, synchronization, and determination. They control the ball and instill fear. Oviedo barely leaves their half and cannot link their positions fluidly, as they are torn apart on their own turf. Alonso has maximized the stars’ strengths by choosing a direct and sharp style. Real’s stars challenge their own limits more than Oviedo’s defensive structure.

Just like in the Osasuna match, Huijsen again surprised by standing out with his passing and helping the midfield regain and circulate possession. He’s not Toni Kroos, but aims to function like Kroos. The 20-year-old center-back moves vertically, connecting with all teammates around him—from Guler and Carreras to Rodrygo and Mbappe. This fits a left-sided center-back role but still surprises all Madrid fans.

Dani Carvajal, after dominating Trent in training sessions, earned a well-deserved starting spot and captain’s armband in an official match. Regardless of how the English defender arrived or his achievements at Liverpool, number 2 remains a beast on the right flank. It’s hard to imagine the 33-year-old had been absent for so long, but upon return, he can make Trent “disappear” in ways hard to imagine. Carvajal is the team’s heart and the locker room’s driving force, indispensable to Alonso. Also, notice Mastantuono, who excelled in his first start and gives the impression he will become a major star soon.

Real Madrid is undergoing a complete transformation under Xabi Alonso’s leadership

Mbappe remains number one

Xabi is rotating or shaking up the starting lineup to try to convey his ideas to the players. Everything works well but there are still gaps—something natural with any change. The Galacticos still lack a bit of fluidity or fuel to ignite their attacking machine.

At times, they appear rigid, shy of risky passes in front of the opponent’s defense, and overly reliant on individual brilliance, especially from Kylian Mbappe, the only unchanged starter across two official matches with absolute leadership on the field.

He helped the Galacticos escape trouble against Osasuna and scored a brace against Oviedo. This star’s three goals earned the white team 6 points, proving his worth with all his top-level skills.

Three goals in two games and a sense that the team is beginning to be built to fully exploit the French striker’s class, who can do everything and play in any attacking position, with the ability to link up with anyone he chooses.

“I will try to help Mbappe, and I will try to get the whole team to support him, and I will try to help him win. I will try to make him feel comfortable, and so will the others,” Xabi Alonso said after the match.

People expect a breakout year from Mbappe after an acclimatization season with the new team and winning the European Golden Shoe. The number 10 shirt is the reason President Florentino Perez humbled his pride to secure this exceptional talent.

Destiny

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