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Real Madrid is changing. |
It's rare for Real Madrid, a team known for its conservative and strict football philosophy, to undergo such a complete and profound transformation in such a short time. But this seemingly illogical event is happening, and the man behind this miracle is none other than Xabi Alonso.
A brand new Madrid
Even the most optimistic Madridistas couldn't have imagined a Real Madrid playing like this: coherent, synchronized, powerful, yet also poetic. If anyone ever attributed magic to Xabi Alonso from his time managing Leverkusen – where he created breathtaking victories and an uncanny unbeaten run – then all doubts have now vanished.
Under Alonso, Real Madrid is no longer a team that relies on individual moments or big-game prowess, but rather a cohesive unit, operating smoothly like a perfectly programmed machine.
Their 3-2 victory over Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 was a prime example of that revolution. It wasn't a perfect game – there were moments of disarray after halftime and it ended in chaos – but it was certainly their most impressive performance of the season so far.
Xabi Alonso remained loyal to his familiar starting lineup, a statement of fairness and belief in hard work. Gonzalo, who retained his starting spot, did not disappoint, continuing to score goals.
However, what's even more noteworthy is their style of play. Real Madrid is no longer just a team that wins through skill and class. They are playing modern, scientific , and highly organized football.
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Xabi Alonso brought about a change at Real Madrid. |
Against Dortmund, Xabi Alonso made several subtle tactical adjustments. When in possession, they switched to a 1-4-4-2 formation, with Tchouameni partnering Güler in midfield, while Fran García constantly pushed forward, playing even wider and higher than Trent Alexander-Arnold.
When defending, they immediately contracted into a five-man defense. Trent moved inwards to close the gaps, Valverde dropped deep to mark Svensson, and Tchouameni constantly shadowed Brandt.
The most significant change lies in the team spirit. No one in Xabi's Real Madrid stands still.
The lines constantly swap positions, creating unexpected overlapping runs and incursions into the center. From Tchouameni and Valverde to Bellingham, anyone can appear in the penalty area, and anyone can be the one to deliver the finishing blow.
In that system, Güler stands out as the playmaker. Fran García brings speed and depth on the left wing, while Vinicius continues to exploit the space behind the defense. Gonzalo – with his consistent form – is showing that he is not just a fleeting phenomenon.
A diverse attack, a flexible defense, a mobile midfield – all combine to create a Real Madrid team that is both visually appealing and effective.
Dortmund had virtually no chance. Kovac could be proud of his five-man defense, which had previously yielded many positive results, but against such an explosive Real Madrid side, all his tactics became meaningless.
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Real Madrid have reached the Champions League semi-finals. |
However, Real Madrid was still not perfect. The second half revealed some inherent weaknesses: complacency, lack of concentration, and inconsistent control of the game's tempo. The chaos at the end of the match led to Huijsen receiving a red card, and Real nearly paid the price if it weren't for Courtois's brilliance. That's a big lesson Alonso needs to learn if he wants to lead the team to ultimate glory.
A place where everyone has to run.
What makes Real Madrid different right now is not just their tactics, but their spirit. No one is allowed to be lazy. No one is allowed to neglect their defensive responsibilities or refuse to support their teammates.
Xabi Alonso conveyed a clear message: football is not just about winning, but about running together, fighting together, and creating beautiful moments together.
That's the new DNA he's creating for Real Madrid – a team once renowned for its exceptional individual football, now built on collective discipline and high tactical awareness. And if there's a symbol of this transformation, it's the two full-backs, Trent and Fran García – who both penetrated the penalty area to create the second goal, completely catching the Dortmund defense by surprise. A new Madrid has taken shape.
Ahead lies PSG – a real test for Alonso's burgeoning project. The French team are masters of transitions, individual technique, and the ability to play at high intensity. But Real Madrid are no longer a team to be intimidated by big names. They have character, Courtois in goal, cohesion in every play, and most importantly: they have Xabi Alonso.
Someone once said, "Xabi Alonso is either enlightenment or darkness." Now, with what's happening at Santiago Bernabéu, perhaps no one doubts the right choice Real Madrid made. Alonso is not just a coach; he's rewriting the definition of the Spanish royal club itself.
Source: https://znews.vn/real-madrid-doi-doi-cung-xabi-alonso-post1566374.html
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