In just half a season, Xavi Alonso’s situation at Real Madrid has changed dramatically.
He arrived with a clear vision, determined to modernize the structure, pursue new ideas and leave his mark on the club. However, ambition was quickly replaced by reality.
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What was originally a long-term project turned into an ongoing test of survival, with every decision judged under a microscope.
In the first weeks of his career, Alonso tried to outline his footballing manifesto. But at Real Madrid, time is a rare luxury.
From a high-level perspective, the results themselves are not the problem. Alonso has already beaten his direct rivals Hansi Flick and Diego Simeone for the trophy.
At Real Madrid, however, winning is only part of the equation. Fans need belief, clarity, and a sense that the people on the bench truly represent the club’s competitive identity.
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Now, as los blancos As they prepare to face Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, Alonso’s side must perform flawlessly in three areas if they are to lift the trophy.
Win a 1v1 defensive battle
Real Madrid defenders need more balance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The unavoidable reality is that Barcelona has become a better offensive team.
Their movement, pace and confidence on the wings posed a constant threat, especially against a Real Madrid backline weakened by injuries.
While these absences are unfortunate, they are not new. This is the third season Real Madrid have had to deal with the absence of key defensive players.
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As things stand, Alonso is expected to again field Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia in defense, while Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huizen are both doubtful for the final.
This combination has worked many times, but it places a huge responsibility on individual defense.
Carreras has shown before that he can limit dangerous wingers, both during his time at Benfica and in the last El Clasico wearing a white jersey, when he reduced the impact of Lamine Yamal.
This final will demand the same attention. Without a natural right back, Federico Valverde may spend a long time dropping deep and protecting his flank.
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Meanwhile, Raul Asensio must always be alert to deal with Ferran Torres, whose off-the-ball movement can punish even the smallest mistakes.
If Real Madrid lose these individual battles, Barcelona will quickly take control.
Bring more creativity to the midfield
Jude Bellingham needs to become more authoritative. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
On paper, Real Madrid’s midfield is filled with elite talent. In practice, it often appears rigid and predictable.
The team has struggled to control games in recent months, especially against opponents who excel in possession.
The creative spark that once defined Madrid in the Luka Modric and Toni Kroos era has clearly disappeared.
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Jude Bellingham, Aurelian Chuameni and Eduardo Camavinga all bring energy, power and intelligence.
However, none of them naturally provide the stops, vision, and rhythm that make defenses uncomfortable.
Too often, Real Madrid’s offensive organization is easy to read, and the offense develops in a straight line rather than through creative combinations.
This problem is magnified against Barcelona, who thrive when their opponents lack midfield control.
Alonso must find a way to introduce variation, whether through positioning, quicker ball circulation or better movement between the lines.
At the same time, it will be important to stop Pedri from dictating the tempo. If Barcelona’s midfield is allowed to control the game, Real Madrid will spend a long time chasing shadows instead of controlling the momentum.
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Breaking Barcelona’s offside trap
Barcelona have shown they know how to neutralize Real Madrid’s attack.
Mbappe has a tough job ahead of him. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Their high defensive line, combined with their aggressive pressing, has caused ongoing problems in recent games.
The most obvious example occurred in 2024, when Kylian Mbappe was repeatedly flagged for offside in a La Liga match.
In that game, Mbappe was booked eight times, accounting for the majority of Real Madrid’s offsides.
Four of them occurred within the first 20 minutes, completely disrupting Real Madrid’s rhythm.
Two goals were also ruled out, turning what could have been a statement performance into a frustrating night.
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Most of Mbappe’s offsides against Barcelona during his La Liga career came from that game, which highlights how effective their defensive set-up is.
For the Super Bowl, timing and patience will be key. Players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. must alter their movements, avoid rushing the ball, and resist the temptation to attack space too early.
If they fail to adapt, Barcelona’s defense will once again determine the course of the game.
