The roar of a derby crowd often promises drama, but for Real Madrid, the recent clash against cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano delivered a brutal dose of reality. In what can only be described as a tactical mauling, Xabi Alonso`s previously unblemished managerial record this season was decisively marred by a resounding 5-2 defeat. It was not merely a loss; it was an emphatic statement from Atletico, revealing cracks in the seemingly invincible facade of Los Blancos.
A Red-Letter Day for Atletico, a Red Flag for Real
From the moment Robin Le Normand headed Atletico into a 14th-minute lead, the match unfolded with an unnerving predictability for the home side. Julian Alvarez, the architect of much of Atletico`s attacking brilliance, delivered a masterful performance, including a stunning free-kick and a brace that underscored his growing reputation. Atletico`s strategy was clear: exploit Real Madrid`s defensive vulnerabilities through sheer physicality and aerial prowess. Alexander Soloroth, a towering presence, consistently unsettled Real`s backline. For Real Madrid’s young defenders, Alvaro Carras and Dean Huijsen, their first taste of the Madrid derby was a baptism by fire, leaving them looking, frankly, quite tepid. The statistics, often a sober mirror of performance, painted a grim picture: Real, despite enjoying more possession, conceded five goals from 13 shots, with an xG of 2.31. Even Antoine Griezmann ended a 22-match LaLiga scoring drought, adding insult to injury.
Alonso`s First Stumble: A Crucial Learning Curve
Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid had cultivated an aura of invincibility, often navigating tight encounters with a knack for decisive moments, sometimes even benefiting from fortunate penalty calls while down a man. This match, however, offered no such luxuries. “Everything that could go wrong in the derby did,” one might muse, though perhaps it`s precisely what a burgeoning team needs. This defeat, coming early in the season, serves as a vital diagnostic. It forces a comprehensive rethink, moving beyond the reliance on individual brilliance or serendipitous bounces. It`s a technical deep dive into systemic weaknesses, a necessary step for any manager aspiring to greatness.
The Defensive Quandary: Where Was the Shield?
A significant factor in Real Madrid’s defensive woes was the absence of Antonio Rudiger, a colossus who previously absorbed much of the physical pressure in such encounters. His leg injury, coupled with limited playing time under Alonso even when fit, left a void that was brutally exposed. The question now looms: how will Los Blancos contend with physically dominant opponents in the future? While an upcoming Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty might not pose the same challenges, it offers a crucial opportunity for the central defenders to demonstrate resilience and tactical discipline. The spotlight is now firmly on them to prove their mettle when the press falters and the physical battles begin.
Glimmers of Hope and the Road to Redemption
Amidst the wreckage, there were faint glimmers of individual brilliance. Kylian Mbappe, with a finish from a tight angle, and Arda Guler, converting a beautifully constructed team goal, reminded fans of the attacking firepower still within Real Madrid`s ranks. More critically, the return of Jude Bellingham from shoulder surgery is anticipated to provide a significant boost to both the attack and the crucial high press that Alonso favors. The prospect of Vinicius Junior, Bellingham, and Mbappe forming an “unstoppable trio” remains tantalizing. While this defeat undoubtedly challenges the narrative of Real Madrid being a “generational team” this season, it does not extinguish it. Instead, it transforms the narrative. The true test of a generational team is not merely in avoiding defeat, but in how swiftly and decisively they rebound from it. The season is long, and for Real Madrid, the journey of recalibration has just begun.
