Real Madrid identify reason why team lost to Benfica, blame Alonso era methods – report | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho came back to haunt Real Madrid, this time as the manager of SL Benfica, who completely outclassed Los Blancos in the final UCL league phase match.

Real Madrid lost 4-2 at Estadio Da Luz, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin sensationally scoring at the last minute to help Benfica secure a place in the knockout playoffs of the Champions League.

This was the second defeat for new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, whose side simply wasn’t able to produce enough quality on the pitch.

Real Madrid identify the reason they lost

According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid’s hierarchy believe there is a clear and singular reason why the team lost to Benfica this midweek: the severe lack of physical fitness.

The board and coaching staff believe the collapse in Lisbon was not primarily tactical, but a consequence of the physical deficit the squad is currently suffering.

The report states that the club view this fitness drop as baggage dragged over from the previous era under Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid believe the ongoing troubles are a result of Alonso-era physical preparations. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

There is a conviction that the team’s intensity and stamina levels have dropped below the required standard for elite European competition, leaving them vulnerable in high-tempo scenarios like the one posed by Mourinho’s side.

However, there is optimism that this dynamic will change rapidly. Antonio Pintus, the world-renowned fitness coach, has returned to head the physical preparation department alongside Arbeloa.

Having been in charge for less than two weeks, his methods have not yet taken full effect, but the club trusts the results will be visible soon.

Ironically, the club’s elimination from the Copa del Rey has provided a vital lifeline. With no cup fixtures scheduled for the first two weeks of February, the team finally has a clear calendar to train without interruption.

As reported earlier, Arbeloa views this break as a golden opportunity to implement Pintus’ rigorous regime. The objective is to use these free midweeks to ramp up the physical workload ahead of league clashes against Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, and Real Sociedad.