Embracing Structure: The Xabi Alonso Era at Real Madrid

If Real Madrid are to make a success of the Xabi Alonso era, they must fully engage with their former midfielder’s quest for structure. Alonso’s recent triumph, a 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg in Philadelphia, highlighted his approach. However, for harmony to exist, he must ensure that rising stars like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior continue to thrive and command the spotlight.

The Celebrity Status of Real Madrid

At times, it seems the Club World Cup could purely consist of Real Madrid making headlines during their US tour, with fans more enamored with the spectacle of star players than the matches themselves. During the pre-game buzz, Bellingham’s entrance was met with cheers that echoed through the stadium, exemplifying the draw of Madrid’s roster. The club’s previous coach, Carlo Ancelotti, thrived in allowing others to shine while maintaining his managerial presence, a formula that has kept fans enchanted.

A New Tactical Approach

As Alonso takes the reins, a shift in tactics appears necessary. Last season revealed a need for more organization on the pitch—an area Alonso has ambitiously begun to address. In the match against Salzburg, his experimental 3-5-2 formation yielded Madrid’s most cohesive performance under his leadership yet. This victory not only secured the team’s place at the top of Group H but also spared them a challenging match-up against Manchester City in the knockout stage.

Rising Stars and Established Talent

The game showcased a blossoming connection between new signings and seasoned players. Bellingham, a standout performer, played in a more withdrawn role yet still roamed the pitch effectively. His assist for Vinícius was marked by a beautiful blend of creativity and discipline. Madrid fans are eager to see how Alonso will integrate high-profile talents like Kylian Mbappé into this intricate system, especially given the French star’s absence from the American leg of the tour.

Fan Interest and the Salzburg Challenge

The excitement surrounding the squad was evident, with over 65,000 fans filling Lincoln Financial Field, many draped in Madrid colors. While Salzburg’s campaign faced hurdles, with managerial changes and domestic struggles leading to a renewed focus in international play, they brought a spirited challenge that Madrid had to match. Alonso’s tactical overhaul allowed him to test formations that could better position the team for the upcoming matches.

Shifting Formations and Player Roles

Alonso’s tactics featured Aurelien Tchouameni forming part of a back three alongside Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger, while wing-backs Fran García and Trent Alexander-Arnold were tasked with maintaining width. The Liverpool import found himself in a new role, exploring offensive dynamics without the familiar collaboration with Mohamed Salah. This shift opens avenues for exploration and player development within the squad.

Match Dynamics and Key Performances

The game against Salzburg began positively for Madrid, characterized by intense pressing and sharp passing. Bellingham and Vinícius generated early excitement, with the former slipping a clever pass through to the latter, who answered the call with a powerful low shot from distance that found the net. The momentum continued with Vinícius, who showcased his flair by setting up Fede Valverde for a second goal just moments later.

Navigating Challenges and Adjustments

By halftime, Salzburg was determined to respond, making substitutions that injected fresh energy into their attack. However, Madrid’s defense, marshaled by Courtois, withstood the pressure, while some nervous moments highlighted areas still needing fine-tuning. Alonso would need to strike a balance between defensive solidity and offensive creativity as the tournament progressed.

Reinforcements from the Bench

To anchor its efforts in the second half, Alonso brought in veteran Luka Modric to stabilize the midfield. The depth of Madrid’s squad was showcased as new players entered the fray, including Gonzalo García, who eventually found the net, capitalizing on his persistence. His contributions signal a promising future in a squad rich with talent but still finding its rhythm under Alonso’s guidance.

The Road Ahead

As Madrid continues to evolve under Alonso’s tactical vision, the focus will be on integrating every player effectively while maintaining the star quality that keeps fans engaged. The initial signs of improvement, especially in coordination and performance, suggest that as the tournament unfolds, the team is likely to become even more formidable. The path to success hinges on Alonso’s ability to not only implement a solid structure but also to ensure that emerging talents like Bellingham and Vinícius seize opportunities to shine alongside established stars.