The beautiful game often delivers stunning narratives, but sometimes it veers into the realm of the truly unexpected, if not outright humiliating. Such was the scene at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where Real Madrid, under the seemingly Midas touch of Xabi Alonso, suffered not just a defeat, but a resounding 5-2 battering at the hands of fierce rivals Atletico Madrid. This wasn`t merely a stumble; it was a full-blown, head-first dive into the cold waters of reality, marking Alonso`s first loss of the season and igniting a much-needed tactical introspection.
When the Unbeaten Run Met the Unyielding Opposition
For weeks, Real Madrid had been riding a wave of seemingly effortless victories, often pulling rabbits from hats with late goals or fortunate decisions. It was a run that hinted at destiny, a burgeoning “generational team” narrative. But a derby, especially an away derby, cares little for narratives. It demands grit, resilience, and an unwavering defense. Against Atletico, Los Blancos found themselves short on all three.
From the moment Robin Le Normand headed Atletico into an early lead, a palpable unease settled over Madrid`s backline. Julian Alvarez, in a truly stellar performance that included an audacious free kick, and Alexander Soloroth, with his aerial prowess, exposed a fundamental vulnerability. The fledgling partnership of Alvaro Carras and Dean Huijsen, stepping into the cauldron of their first Madrid derby, appeared overwhelmed by Atletico`s relentless physicality – a trait Antonio Rudiger, currently sidelined, typically anchors. The phrase “dominated in every facet of the game except possession” isn`t a mere statistic; it`s a damning indictment of a team outmaneuvered and outmuscled. Even Antoine Griezmann, breaking a significant LaLiga scoreless streak, added a flourish to Madrid`s misery.
Alonso`s First True Test: Beyond the Glitter
Xabi Alonso`s tenure has, until this point, been a charming fairytale. Every tactical tweak seemed to work, every roll of the dice landed favorably. Yet, this defeat offers a stark reminder that even the most talented squads require more than just individual brilliance. While goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler offered glimpses of their attacking potency, they were mere embellishments on a broken defensive canvas.
The true test of a manager isn`t just winning; it`s how they react to adversity. This 5-2 thrashing serves as Alonso`s inaugural, comprehensive exam. It reveals cracks that previous tight victories and fortunate turns of events had skillfully papered over. The reliance on individual moments, while often thrilling, cannot consistently compensate for a collective defensive frailty, especially when confronted by an opponent as physically imposing and tactically disciplined as Atletico.
The Physicality Conundrum: A Gap Exposed
One of the most glaring takeaways from the derby was Real Madrid`s struggle to cope with Atletico`s raw power and aggressive pressing. This isn`t a new challenge for modern football, where athleticism and tactical fouling often dictate the tempo. However, without the commanding presence of a fully fit and engaged Antonio Rudiger, Los Blancos` center-backs appeared to buckle. The ability to win aerial duels, hold off powerful attackers, and quickly transition possession under pressure suddenly became a chasm rather than a minor inconvenience.
This deficiency demands a prompt solution. While facing Kairat Almaty in the Champions League might not pose the same physical threat, it offers a crucial opportunity for the defense to regain composure and for Alonso to experiment with solutions. The timing of this loss, early in the season, is arguably a blessing in disguise – a bitter pill now, rather than a catastrophic knockout later.
A Glimmer of Hope: Bellingham`s Return and the Road Ahead
Amidst the wreckage, a significant beacon of hope looms: the imminent return of Jude Bellingham from shoulder surgery. Bellingham isn`t just a goalscorer; he`s a midfield dynamo, a pressing machine, and a critical link between defense and attack. His presence not only bolsters the creative output but also adds defensive solidity, allowing for a more aggressive and effective high press. This could alleviate some of the pressure on the backline by winning the ball higher up the pitch.
With Bellingham rejoining Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid`s attack remains arguably the most potent in world football. The question, however, shifts from if they can score, to if they can defend consistently enough to leverage that scoring power. This loss is a pivotal moment. It`s a chance to re-evaluate, to adapt, and to demonstrate that the early season triumphs weren`t merely a flash in the pan, but the initial steps of a genuinely special team learning the hard lessons required for true greatness. How they bounce back from this profound setback will ultimately define their season and the narrative of this “generational” squad.
Adrian Whitmore