The Xabi Alonso Era BEGINS!! Real Madrid 1-1 Al Hilal
Xabi Alonso – Real Madrid era begins with a 1-1 draw vs Al Hilal. Tactical changes, standout players & preseason concerns analyzed in-depth.
Real Madrid’s new dawn under Xabi Alonso has officially kicked off—and while it might not have started with a win, it certainly began with fireworks. A 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in the Club World Cup might seem like a modest result on paper, but anyone who watched the match knows this was the birth of something bold, tactical, and refreshingly different.
Let’s dive deep into the tactical tweaks, player performances, and what this match means for Madrid going forward.
A New Philosophy Takes the Stage
The moment Carlo Ancelotti stepped aside and Xabi Alonso took over, fans worldwide knew they were in for something special. Alonso, already revered for his achievements at Bayer Leverkusen, has now brought his intense, structured, and progressive style to the Bernabéu. This first match against Al Hilal showed glimmers of the transformation already underway.
From the shape in buildup to the midfield rotations, everything screamed “Xabi Ball.” And perhaps, most visibly, Madrid finally looked like they were being drilled into a cohesive pressing unit
Tactical Breakdown: Pressing, Passing, and Positional Play
Madrid under Ancelotti had become slightly predictable, especially in the absence of Toni Kroos. They lacked a progressive passer, a field marshal in midfield. Xabi Alonso is here to fix that—and you could see it immediately.
During the match and in training clips from Madrid’s own media, two things stood out:
Rondos and Wall Passes:
The training was filled with rondo drills—quick one-touch passes under pressure. Xabi’s emphasis on rondos and “wall passes” between midfielders hints at his desire for tight, vertical play and dynamic positioning.Off-the-Ball Movement:
Midfielders like Bellingham and Valverde were seen pushing high between the lines—something we didn’t often see last season. However, Valverde struggled in the half-turn role. It’s not his strength. Under Ancelotti, he would attack space with pace. Now, Xabi is demanding more positional complexity.
The Player Dynamics: Who Fits, Who Struggles
tandout Performer: Højlund
Højlund looked sharp. His passing range was eye-catching and vital in connecting midfield to attack. As one viewer noted, “His passing brings the midfield alive.” Madrid’s new midfield general may just be taking shape.
Game Changer: Arda Güler
The match flipped in Madrid’s favor when Arda came on. His close control, sharp angles, and ability to link up in tight spaces gave Madrid a sense of rhythm they lacked in the first half. Even Xabi Alonso admitted in the post-match press conference: “The second half was much better in terms of passing and movement.”
Fatigue or Form? Vinícius Jr.
It wasn’t a classic Vini performance. He looked tired, less explosive, and struggled even against a shaky defender like Cancelo.
Yes, the heat and packed schedule are factors—he’s coming off an exhausting season. But under Xabi Alonso, Vini is now being asked to track back, contribute defensively, and stay wide on the touchline. That’s a big shift from his inside-forward freedom under Ancelotti.
Rodrygo’s Right-Wing Woes
Rodrygo only made one notable contribution: the assist to Gonçalo. Otherwise, he looked invisible on the right. The issue? His limited use of the left foot prevents him from exploiting runs or creating angles—something Arda did with ease once introduced.
Xabi’s Pressing Scheme: Inspired by Arteta?
One fascinating tactical layer is the pressing structure, which resembles Mikel Arteta’s approach at Arsenal. The front three tries to trap possession centrally, while the midfield compresses space.
But here’s the problem: Madrid’s attackers may not have the legs for this. Will Mbappé, Vini, and Rodrygo press with the intensity Xabi demands? That remains the biggest question of this project. In low-stakes matches, it’s doable—but in high-pressure UCL nights? That’s where we’ll truly see the limits of Alonso’s philosophy.
Preseason Planning: Or Lack Thereof
Another concern is the complete lack of a preseason. Madrid’s players have just returned from international duty—Vinícius from Brazil, Bellingham from England, and others with no rest. With the Club World Cup final possibly set for July 13, there’s barely a month before the La Liga season starts.
Training has been kept mostly secret. Madrid’s YouTube reveals only general fitness sessions. There’s no public evidence of pressure-pad or biometrics training—only hints at physical prep and tactical rondos.
Al Hilal: Surprise Package
One can’t talk about this match without mentioning how good Al Hilal were. Yes, they’re used to the heat—but tactically, they were well-drilled. Their pressing, transitions, and structure posed genuine problems for Madrid. Simone Inzaghi (reportedly involved with them) showed what elite coaching can produce, regardless of continent.
Final Thoughts: The Project Has Just Begun
Madrid didn’t win, but something far more important happened:
We saw the skeleton of Xabi Alonso’s vision. A tighter midfield. Smarter movement. Structured pressing. Players being forced out of comfort zones.
Yes, questions remain:
– Will the front three defend with intensity?
– Can players like Rodrygo adapt to positional demands?
– Will fatigue and short preseason hamper development?
But the foundation is solid.
The Xabi Alonso era has begun.
And it already feels different.
The Bernabéu faithful better buckle up—this is going to be one hell of a ride.
Who impressed you the most?
For us—it was Højlund, no doubt. His passing, vision, and command were top-tier. But tell us in the comments—Who do YOU fear the most in this Real Madrid side? Vinícius? Mbappé? Or one of the new gems?
Let’s talk football.
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