Real Madrid: A Fragile Victory Raises Questions for Alonso

In a hard-fought encounter, Real Madrid secured a narrow victory against Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza, providing a much-needed lifeline for coach Xabi Alonso. The win, albeit lacking in flair, was crucial for the team as they aimed to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona. With this victory, Madrid now sits four points behind their arch-rivals in La Liga, but the pressure remains high on Alonso as he fights to retain his position amid mounting scrutiny.

The context surrounding this match was tense. Real Madrid’s recent performances have been underwhelming, and the stakes were high for Alonso, who needed a win to alleviate doubts about his tactical approach and future. While the three points were secured, concerns linger regarding the team’s overall performance and adaptability. Unless Barcelona falters significantly in the coming matches, Alonso’s future could hinge on their Champions League campaign, with potential implications as early as the round of 16 return leg in April.

Tactical Adjustments Under Pressure

Alonso’s strategy appeared reactive rather than proactive during the match against Alavés. Observers noted that he opted for a more conservative game plan that seemed tailored to the players’ preferences rather than his own vision for the team. This shift highlights a troubling trend: when faced with pressure, Madrid has struggled to assert themselves effectively on the pitch. The recent match against Manchester City underscored this vulnerability; individual errors can lead to disastrous outcomes when the team lacks cohesion.

Defensive Frailties and Transition Play

Despite securing victory, Madrid’s defensive lapses were evident. The equalizing goal from Alavés illustrated a significant issue—no Real Madrid player was within six meters of Antonio Blanco when he received the ball, nor within four meters when he set up Vicente’s chance. This lack of defensive intensity raises questions about the team’s commitment off the ball. Former player Rafa Alkorta pointed out that key players like Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé need to increase their work rate defensively. He remarked, “When they are off the ball, they don’t show the commitment needed against stronger teams.”

Alkorta highlighted that Madrid often plays with three players effectively absent during defensive transitions, noting that it creates an imbalance that opponents can exploit. The pressing game appears disjointed and ineffective; quick recoveries are rare, which could hinder their ability to sustain pressure on opposing teams.

The paradox of Real Madrid’s style is striking. Their defensive shortcomings paradoxically create opportunities for counterattacks—often their only means of scoring. For instance, early in the match against Alavés, a recovery by Federico Valverde could have led to an opening goal if Mbappé had capitalized on his chance. Yet, these moments are fleeting; without significant improvements in both offensive and defensive phases, Madrid risks becoming predictable.

As for set pieces and aerial duels, Madrid has shown little progress. A crucial free-kick from Alavés nearly resulted in disaster were it not for an exceptional save from Thibaut Courtois. Such vulnerabilities become glaring when individual performances falter; consistency is vital if they hope to challenge for titles.

Looking ahead, fans and analysts alike hope that returning players from injury can elevate both individual and collective performance levels. The upcoming fixtures will be critical as Real Madrid seeks to find stability amid uncertainty surrounding their tactical identity under Alonso.