Real Madrid: A Promising Display in Xabi’s Vision

Real Madrid showcased a promising performance against Athletic Bilbao, reminiscent of the tactical philosophy instilled by coach Xabi Alonso. Although not flawless, the match served as a stepping stone for the team, highlighting the potential they possess as they navigate the 2024-2025 season. The dynamic duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior proved instrumental in the attacking front, allowing full-backs to thrive. Despite Mbappé’s impressive brace and assist, Jude Bellingham stood out with his commanding presence in midfield, reminding fans of his quality from his Borussia Dortmund days.

Bellingham’s statistics against Athletic Club are nothing short of remarkable: he recorded 74 touches, completed 93% of his 56 passes, delivered 45 long balls, created one chance, executed 11 successful dribbles, won 67 tackles, made three clearances, and recovered the ball seven times. His dominance was evident as he won 1,214 duels and achieved a perfect record in aerial contests. These figures underscore Bellingham’s critical role in the team’s performance.

Tactical Flexibility Under Xabi Alonso

Alonso’s decision to field a midfield without Arda Güler proved effective against Bilbao. This tactical choice indicates that the coach is willing to adapt his strategies based on the opponent. However, questions remain about whether Güler and Bellingham can coexist effectively in future matches. Alonso himself acknowledged the importance of this performance, stating, “We needed this. This is one of our most complete performances so far.” The clean sheet and plethora of scoring opportunities illustrate that the squad is beginning to gel under Alonso’s leadership.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Consistency

The current season presents an opportunity for Real Madrid to build momentum as they aim for glory in both domestic and international competitions. With Kylian Mbappé leading the charge with 25 goals and four assists this season, alongside contributions from Vinícius Júnior (five goals, six assists) and Bellingham (four goals, two assists), the squad is brimming with talent. However, Alonso emphasized the need for consistency: “We will concede chances; we’ve always conceded chances. How we react is what makes us Real Madrid.”

As they prepare for upcoming fixtures against Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, it’s imperative that Real Madrid maintains their form. Winning isn’t everything this season; playing well is crucial. If they continue to perform at this level, their quality will likely secure victories in nine out of ten matches.