Real Madrid's paradox under Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid lead La Liga in attacking changes, with 78 after 13 games. An impressive number, but one that speaks more to a problem than an advantage. It is a sign of a team that has failed to find consistency, relying on wing changes to escape pressure and find hope in chaos.

In Vallecas, Real Madrid drew 0-0 with Rayo in round 12 of La Liga in a match that clearly exposed their confusion. They had possession of the ball, but not control of the game. When Rayo organized the press, the players in white started to pass long, lost the ball and let the opponents dominate the midfield. The play became disjointed, no one could dictate the tempo. It was no longer the image of a majestic Real Madrid, but a collective full of doubts.

Vinícius Jr. broke the silence. He shouted mid-match: “We only play long passes, always long passes! Who wants that?” The words rang out as an admission that Real Madrid were lacking an identity. There was no more coordinated play, no more familiar confidence. There was only the chaos of brilliant individuals who could not find a common voice.

Xabi Alonso stood on the touchline, trying to get things moving. He told his team to close the gap, keep their distance, pass quickly and coordinate more. But his shouts were lost amid the constant loss of possession. Real Madrid tried to keep their rhythm, but the more they played, the further they drifted from their original idea. Rayo only needed to press at the right time to cause chaos in Madrid's defense.

The league's highest number of 78 wing changes is a paradox. Real Madrid are not lacking in technique, but they are lacking in organization. Each change of direction is an admission that the central attacking idea has been blocked. Barcelona, with only 23 wing changes, attack more coherently and accurately. Real may be stronger individually, but are weaker as a team.

Alonso said before the season: “Tomorrow, Rock & Roll begins.” He wants to turn Real Madrid into a team that plays vibrant, rhythmic, powerful football. But at the moment, that melody has not yet sounded. Real Madrid have the ingredients, the talent, the stars who can decide the match. But they have not found a common voice. They are still an orchestra out of tune.

For Xabi Alonso, this is the first real challenge. He has changed the pressing style, arranged a more dynamic midfield, but has not yet overcome the gap between ideas and reality. Real Madrid are still strong, still capable of winning the championship, but they need more cohesion. They need to play as a team, not as a collection of big names.

The season is long, and Real Madrid are still near the top of the table. But this paradox must be resolved soon. Otherwise, wing substitutions will continue to replace ideas, and Real Madrid will continue to struggle in their own confusion.

Source: https://znews.vn/nghich-ly-real-madrid-duoi-thoi-xabi-alonso-post1602368.html