Real Madrid 2025/26 Preview: Xabi Alonso’s New Era Aims to Dethrone Barcelona | OneFootball

Real Madrid are tasked with trying to snatch the La Liga title from arch-rivals Barcelona in 2025/26, with Atletico Madrid breathing heavily down their necks.

Los Blancos were second-best last season, rolling over several times throughout the campaign for Barca, who steamrolled their opponents to the crown.

Determined to bounce back from being neutered by their arch-nemesis, Madrid parted ways with Carlo Ancelotti and hired former midfielder Xabi Alonso to spearhead a new era.

The 35-time La Liga champions have reinforced their squad. They plugged the defensive holes to give the Spanish tactician a more reliable base to work from.

With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the ranks, Madrid will believe they have enough quality to wrestle the title back.

However, there are doubts about this team. The attack seems overly focused on wide players and direct runners, making it difficult to control the tempo.

The absence of a natural controlling midfielder could limit their ability to dictate play and protect the defence.

Madrid have an unbalanced squad with an attack-heavy focus and a lack of midfield control.

Legitimate fears linger that, despite pulling out all the stops to strengthen their defence, these weaknesses may leave them trailing Barcelona next season.

Read on as we preview Madrid’s 2025/26 campaign.

Real Madrid Fixtures

Real Madrid kick off their 2025/26 La Liga fixtures at home against Osasuna on August 19, aiming to extend their solid opening day record. They haven’t lost a league opener since 2008.

Madrid will back themselves, having not lost to Osasuna since 2011.

Five days later, Los Blancos lock horns with newly promoted Real Oviedo. The hosts are back in La Liga for the first time since 2001.

Oviedo will be massive underdogs, but recent clashes suggest they’re no pushovers, with just one loss in their last six meetings with Madrid.

Mallorca will then come to the Bernabeu on August 30. They made life difficult last season, holding Los Blancos to a draw and nearly snatching a result in May.

Madrid visit Real Sociedad on September 14. The hosts are under a new manager and settling into his style, making them vulnerable.

The first instalment of the hotly contested Madrid derby is on September 28. The reverse fixture is scheduled for March 22.

Los Blancos clash with Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. The second El Clasico in Barcelona could be the title decider.

Manager

The highly promising Alonso has big boots to fill. He is succeeding the most successful manager in Madrid’s storied history.

Alonso arrives from Bayer Leverkusen, where he broke Bayern Munich’s dominance to clinch the 2023/24 Bundesliga crown and the DFB-Pokal.

The 43-year-old also reached the final of the UEFA Europa League, and his remarkable achievement did not go unnoticed.

Bayern and Liverpool wanted to hire him, but he waited for Madrid. He joins the club with a new blueprint, ripping up the 3-4-3 template that proved successful in Germany.

Alonso has the unenviable task of galvanising this top-heavy squad into a formidable unit that can knock Barcelona off their perch.

The squad isn’t necessarily bad, but its composition begs questions. Usurping the La Liga crown with this group will be the ultimate test of Alonso’s mettle.

Madrid are thirsty for glory again, but does he have the tactical malleability to drag them to the top of the pile? Only time will tell.

Transfers

Madrid held off competition from Liverpool and Chelsea to sign highly-rated defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.

Long-tipped to become one of the best in the world, the Spaniard has already made quite an impression in his opening displays.

Madrid also signed Alexander-Arnold for £10m and paid a significant sum to take Alvaro Carreras from Benfica.

Some people believe they need another centre-back, but Madrid want to wait and potentially take Ibrahima Konate for free next summer. They also want William Saliba.

They have signed Argentine gem Francisco Mastantuono to provide creativity from the right.

Madrid desperately need someone to replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the engine room.

Starting XI

Alonso’s Madrid XI will have fresh signings and seasoned stars. Between the sticks, the ever-reliable Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed number one.

The defence in front of him features Alexander‑Arnold at right-back, Huijsen partnering Antonio Rudiger in central defence, and Carreras at left-back.

Alonso is expected to opt for a midfield of Aurelien Tchouameni, Valverde and Arda Guler until Jude Bellingham returns from his shoulder setback.

The attack features a youthful spark with Mastantuono joining Vinicius and Mbappe. Gonzalo Garcia and Endrick will be waiting in the wings.

Rodrygo is out of favour, with Alonso reportedly open to selling him this summer.

Potential XI:

(4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras; Tchouameni, Valverde, Guler; Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, Mastantuono.

Star Player

Mbappe has become Madrid’s talisman. The Frenchman delivered 44 goals in 59 appearances in his debut season in Spain to establish himself as the star.

He claimed the Pichichi ahead of Robert Lewandowski while creating 15 big chances. The former Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco star is a lethal force up top.

He wreaks havoc on any opposing defence. He has shown why Madrid waited patiently for him all those years.

Alonso needs to find a way to build around Mbappe. Unleashed at full force, he can be decisive going into next season, but they will have to sort the pressing structure around him.

Prediction

While Madrid have all the tools to win the league again, they are up against a well-drilled Barcelona team.

Barca made light work of Madrid last season and can do the same this term if they find their groove.

Alonso must pull a rabbit out of the hat to steer Madrid to the top of the pile.

As dangerous as they are, they might not be strong enough to take down Barca under Hansi Flick.

Prediction: 2nd.

How to watch Real Madrid live this season

In the UK, Premier Sports have secured the majority of La Liga tv rights for this season, and can be accessed via Sky Sports and Prime Video. Disney+ holds the rights for the Saturday night La Liga fixture. Prime Video and TNT Sports will be showing Champions League football in the UK. Here is more information on how to live stream Real Madrid matches in UK and around the world.

Also Read: La Liga 2025/26 preview: Can Barcelona stave off Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to retain the crown?