Real Madrid Faces Tactical Dilemma Without Mbappé's Goals

Kylian Mbappé’s injury has thrown a significant wrench into Xabi Alonso‘s plans ahead of Real Madrid‘s upcoming clash against Real Betis and the impending Supercopa de España. The French forward, who has been in remarkable form this season, netting 29 goals in just 24 appearances, represents a staggering portion of the team’s offensive output. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as he has been the cornerstone of the attack since Alonso took charge.

Real Madrid is currently navigating a crucial phase in the 2024-2025 season, and losing a player of Mbappé’s caliber is not a minor setback. With over 50% of the team’s goals attributed to him, his injury comes at a time when every point matters. The squad has shown resilience this season, but without their leading scorer, the tactical landscape shifts dramatically. Alonso now faces the daunting task of reconfiguring his attack to maintain their competitive edge.

Potential Replacements for Mbappé

In light of this setback, Alonso has a couple of options to fill the void left by Mbappé. One logical choice is to deploy Rodrygo as a central striker, leveraging his pace and creativity. Alternatively, Gonzalo could step up to take on more responsibility in the forward line. Both players have shown glimpses of brilliance this season, but they will need to elevate their performances significantly to replicate Mbappé’s impact on the pitch.

The Tactical Shift Ahead

Alonso’s tactical approach may need to pivot towards a more collective offensive strategy rather than relying on individual brilliance. The team might adopt a more fluid formation that maximizes the strengths of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo while integrating midfielders like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde into goal-scoring positions. This shift could foster a more dynamic attacking style, but it also raises questions about whether it can yield similar results without Mbappé’s finishing prowess.

As Real Madrid prepares for this critical juncture in their campaign, fans are left wondering how effectively they can adapt without their star player. Will they find a way to overcome this challenge and keep their title hopes alive? Only time will tell as they face Betis and look ahead to the Supercopa de España.