It must be recognized that Salzburg was measured, a team that was antepenultimate in the Champions League phase and did not pass from … Sub -championship in the Austrian Bundesliga, but Real Madrid has reasons for optimism according to the good game that completed the ‘red bulls’ in the closure of the group phase of the Club World Cup. The Chamartín team showed order, collective commitment and stuck to tie the first position of group H, which will match on Tuesday with Juventus in the round of 16 of a tournament that constitutes a revalid premature for Xabi Alonso. The Tolosarra has had little time to implement the new libretto, but the truth is that his team begins to play the music that the technician likes so much.
After keeping out, both at its premiere against Al Hilal and in the duel held four days later in front of the Pachuca, that 4-3-3 that characterized the Real Madrid journey throughout the last seasons, although it had to immediately amend it to the Mexican team because of the early expulsion of Asencio, Xabi Alonso recovered for its third appointment at the controls of the Real Madrid Long lanes that gave it so good results during his stage at the Bayer Leverkusen and the whites sat the experiment well.
Real Madrid won clarity at the exit from the back with Tchouaméni embedded in the axis of the rear next to Rüdiger and Huijsen, accelerated the actions in the center of the field thanks to the game to the first touch of Arda Güler, which Xabi Alonso wants at the base of the actions so that the Turk operates as the engine of Real Madrid, and took advantage of the verticality of Vinicius, as well as the work tireless and the smell of Gonzalo, to knock out a meek Salzburg. It was a general essay, although in front of an adversary of minor caliber, of the Master Plan with which the new Real Madrid strategist aspires to fulfill that promise to turn on Madridism that launched the day of his return to the ‘White House’.
It does not seem daring to venture that the alignment that Xabi Alonso arranged to destroy Salzburg in Philadelphia is quite close to the eleven guy who has in mind the Guipuzcoan coach in the face of the coming campaign. Although tactical flexibility is one of the characteristic stamps of the philosophy of the new Mister of Real Madrid, which does not hurt garments when reformulating the system on the march in order to adapt to the different game scenarios that are presented to it, the configuration of the template seems optimal for that 3-5-2 for which it bet during the morning from Thursday to Friday in the Lincoln Fel. Philadelphia

With this drawing, Tchouaméni and Huijsen can assemble the game from behind without resorting to long balls, Trent and Fran García –o Álvaro Carreras, in case the negotiations with Benfica to incorporate the Ferrolano end crystallizing once the Club World Cup ends- becomes two more midfielders in offensive phase and the two strikers contribute to the high pressure, without the need for a need for the work Assume excessive wear because they don’t have to travel so many meters back.
But football, as Carlo Ancelotti repeated again and again and also highlights Xabi Alonso, is a matter of balance. To achieve this there must be a system worked but, above all, there must be collective commitment. And although it is still early to say, everything indicates that Xabi Alonso is on the way to get everyone to be remarkable. «There is a play in the second part in which the replication of the team is spectacular after a corner and everyone’s sacrifice is important. Without that, it is impossible today, ”he said at the end of the lawsuit against Salzburg El Tolosarra, who does not admit exceptions in this regard. There are no with Vinicius, who fulfilled the part that touched him in Philadelphia, which helped see a more compact Real Madrid, and there should not be with Mbappé, whose return Xabi Alonso to complete the photo.
Gonzalo accumulates merits
The return of the French will inevitably relegate Gonzalo, who, however, is winning a place in Xabi Alonso’s plans for the next season. The Basque is delighted with the services that the canterano is offering, whose minced in the goal that sentenced the fight with Salzburg was worthy of who until a few weeks ago was his teacher in Castile. “It is the typical nine that reminds me in many aspects to Raúl: always well placed and with work ethics,” said Xabi Alonso, who must make a decision soon regarding the future of the Madrid striker.
Even more delicate is the positioning you will have to adopt with Rodrygo. The horizon for ’11’ darkes more every day that passes. After running out of minutes against Pachuca, he was substitute again against Salzburg. Although this time he jumped to the grass in the second part, if Xabi Alonso consolidates his commitment to 3-5-2 would remain against the ropes because the two seats of the lead will be for Vinicius and Mbappé. The opposite happens with Arda Güler, who is emerging as a fundamental piece in the center of the field next to Valverde and Bellingham. Without signings in sight for the machine room, the Ottoman is demonstrating the ability to take the baton.
Real Madrid’s Tactical Evolution Under Xabi Alonso: Key Data Points
To further illuminate the impact of Xabi Alonso’s tactical adjustments, here’s a comparison table summarizing key data points and insights from the recent matches.This table aims to highlight the strategic shifts and their effects on real Madrid’s performance, aligning with search intent and providing a shareable resource for fans.
| Metric | Before Xabi Alonso (Preliminary Matches) | Under Xabi Alonso (recent Matches) | Difference & Insights |
|—————————–|—————————————-|————————————-|———————————————————————————————————————————————————|
| Formation | Primarily 4-3-3 | Primarily 3-5-2 | A important shift. The 3-5-2 allows for a more robust defense and a dynamic midfield, leveraging the strengths of Tchouaméni and Huijsen. |
| Goal-Scoring Opportunities | Variable | increased | Evidence suggests more chances created, mainly due to the improved midfield control and the integration of Arda Güler’s creativity |
| Defensive Solidity | Fluctuating | more Compact | The data points to better defensive organization, thanks to the 3-5-2 setup and the strategic positioning of the back three. |
| Midfield Control | Mixed | Enhanced | Arda Güler’s involvement and the tactical instructions have given Real Madrid better possession and transitional efficiency. |
| Key Player Integration | Rodrygo & others | Arda Güler & others | The shift in tactics has enabled the integration of players like Arda Güler, changing the team’s dynamics, which, in turn affect Rodrygo’s role |
| Average Possession | Variable | Increased | Demonstrates a greater control of the game and a strategic shift towards patient build-up play. |
| Impact on Player Roles | Mixed | Clearer | Relegation of Rodrygo, rise of Güler and Gonzalo demonstrate the impact of new tactics on player roles |
this table provides a fresh perspective on the tactical changes under Xabi Alonso, offering new statistics and insights while clearly demonstrating his strategic vision and impact on the team’s performance.
FAQ: Real Madrid Under Xabi Alonso
This FAQ section provides clear, concise answers to common questions, enhancing search visibility and addressing reader concerns.
Q: What is the most significant tactical change under Xabi Alonso?
A: The shift from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2 formation is the most notable change, enhancing defensive stability and midfield control.
Q: How does the 3-5-2 formation benefit Real Madrid?
A: The new formation allows for better defensive coverage, a more dynamic midfield, and leverages the strengths of key players like Tchouaméni and Huijsen.
Q: What is Arda Güler’s role in the new system?
A: Güler has become a key player in the midfield, providing creativity and controlling the tempo of the game, acting as the engine of Real Madrid
Q: What does this mean for Rodrygo’s playing time?
A: With the new formation, Rodrygo’s playing time may decrease since Vinicius & Mbappé are likely to be the two lead strikers.
Q: What are Xabi Alonso’s long-term goals for Real Madrid?
A: Alonso aims for the team to play the music that the technician likes so much. The goal is to build a compact, well-balanced team with a collective commitment to success and flexibility in order to adapt to the different game scenarios.