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Real Madrid’s fresh chapter under Xabi Alonso began with a mixed performance at the Club World Cup. Their opening match against Al Hilal ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting both promise and growing pains. Speaking after the match, Alonso called for patience as his Real Madrid makeover continues to take shape.
A Slow Start in Miami
Playing at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Madrid struggled to find rhythm in the opening 45 minutes. Al Hilal looked sharper and more composed. Despite the shaky start, young forward Gonzalo García broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, giving Madrid a brief lead.
The advantage didn’t last long. Al Hilal’s Rúben Neves equalised from the penalty spot, punishing a defensive lapse. Madrid had a golden opportunity to claim victory in added time, but Federico Valverde’s penalty was saved brilliantly by Yassine Bounou.
Alonso Sees Progress Despite Setback
In his post-match press conference, Alonso acknowledged the shortcomings but highlighted the improvements.
“The second half was much better than the first,” he said. “We lacked balance early on but improved significantly.”
The Real Madrid manager emphasized that this transformation is part of a larger process. He admitted that implementing tactical changes, especially after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, would take time.
A Real Madrid Makeover in Motion
Xabi Alonso took charge of the squad just nine days before their Club World Cup opener. Some players had only three training sessions before the match, adding to the challenge of adapting quickly.
“What we want to do will take time,” Alonso reiterated. “There are many things to change, and we’re learning as we go.”
The Spaniard was appointed following a trophyless season under Ancelotti. Now tasked with leading a Real Madrid makeover, Alonso is focused on instilling a new style of play — one that demands both tactical discipline and fluid creativity.
Changing the System, Changing the Mindset
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also acknowledged the transitional phase. Speaking to reporters, he explained the difficulty in shifting from Ancelotti’s style to Alonso’s approach.
“We have built-in habits from four years under Ancelotti,” Courtois said. “Now we need to unlearn and adapt to a new vision.”
The team has been analyzing match footage, engaging in tactical discussions, and slowly adjusting their gameplay. Courtois remained optimistic, confident that the squad will improve with time.
Mbappé Absent, Future Uncertain
Notably missing from the game was star forward Kylian Mbappé, who was sidelined with a fever. His absence was felt in Madrid’s attack, which lacked sharpness at key moments.
When asked about Mbappé’s availability for the next game against Pachuca, Alonso remained cautious.
“We don’t know yet,” he said. “He’s been unwell for two days with a virus. We’ll monitor his recovery.”
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Despite the result, Alonso remains focused on the bigger picture. The draw marks the beginning of a long journey, not the end. With more training sessions, match experience, and clearer tactical understanding, Real Madrid’s makeover under Alonso promises exciting developments ahead.
As the team prepares for their next fixture, fans and critics alike will be watching closely. The message from Alonso is clear: trust the process, because building a new Real Madrid takes more than just a few games.
