Despite a rare defensive lapse against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso remains one of the most formidable defensive units in European football.
Since the start of the season, Real Madrid has been a bastion of defensive strength, conceding only nine goals across all competitions. However, the 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid stands out as an anomaly in an otherwise stellar defensive record.
Defensive Prowess Under Xabi Alonso
The defensive organization under Xabi Alonso has been commendable, with the team conceding just four goals in seven matches outside their clash with Atletico. This impressive statistic highlights the meticulous work done on the training ground to solidify the backline.
In those seven matches, Thibaut Courtois, the team’s reliable goalkeeper, has kept three clean sheets. The only teams to breach his defense were Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Levante, and Villarreal, each managing just one goal. As reported by Marca, Courtois’s performances have been instrumental in maintaining Real Madrid’s defensive integrity.
A Statistical Comparison
When comparing this season’s performance to last year’s under Carlos Ancelotti, there is a noticeable improvement. Last season, Real Madrid ended their La Liga campaign with an average of one goal conceded per match and slightly more across all competitions. This season’s numbers suggest a tighter defense, despite the setback against Atletico.
The current defensive record places Real Madrid among the top contenders in terms of goals conceded. Only teams like Villarreal, Betis Sevilla, Alavés, and Osasuna have managed to concede fewer goals so far, each letting in just one less than Real.
The Road Ahead
The challenge for Real Madrid will be to maintain this level of defensive performance throughout the season. The heavy defeat against Atletico serves as both a wake-up call and a learning opportunity for Xabi Alonso’s squad. Can they continue to fortify their defense and turn this rare slip into a catalyst for further improvement?