Three things Alonso must change at Real Madrid to improve performance in big games | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s 0-1 defeat at Anfield was more than a frustrating Champions League setback. In fact, it was a reminder of how far Xabi Alonso’s project still has to go. 

The Spaniard, in his debut season, has now suffered his third loss against a major opponent, raising doubts over whether his exciting yet fragile Real Madrid side can compete consistently at the highest level.

The signs of concern have been evident for a while. Earlier this year, Paris Saint-Germain demolished Real Madrid 4–0 in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final, a result many dismissed as early growing pains. 

Alonso had just arrived, trying to implement his tactical identity and rebuild the squad’s chemistry. Yet, months later, the same problems are resurfacing in high-pressure fixtures.

The next big test came in the Madrid Derby, and the outcome was even more painful. 

Despite being favourites, Real Madrid were dismantled 2-5 by Diego Simeone’s Atletico. 

Victories over Juventus and Barcelona briefly restored hope, but the Anfield performance showed that Madrid are still far from a finished product. 

The loss exposed several weaknesses that Alonso must urgently address and here we highlight three.

Set-piece defending: a recurring nightmare

Real Madrid conceded from a set-piece situation. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

One of the biggest concerns haunting Real Madrid is their inability to defend set pieces effectively. 

The decisive goal at Anfield came from another poorly defended dead-ball situation as Alexis Mac Allister was allowed to drift into space and finish unmarked.

But this problem did not start in Liverpool. 

During the heavy derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, both of the first-half goals conceded came from headers, while they also gave away a penalty from a corner in the second half. 

The pattern is alarming, and it continues to cost them in the biggest matches.

What makes this even more surprising is the presence of Alonso’s trusted assistant, Sebas Parrilla, widely credited for transforming Bayer Leverkusen into one of the Bundesliga’s best teams in set-piece situations. 

So far, he hasn’t been able to replicate that success in the Spanish capital. Recognising the problem, Real Madrid even brought in Leganes set-piece specialist Jesus Rueda.

While this is an indication that the coaching staff is aware of the ongoing issue, but a permanent fix is yet to arrive.

Against Liverpool, Real Madrid Madrid allowed eight shots from set pieces, with Courtois making seven saves. 

In fact, this marked their fourth goal conceded from such situations this season, which is an unacceptable figure for a club of their calibre.

Right flank remains unsettled

Alonso needs to fix the right wing issue. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Another pressing concern for Alonso is the instability on the right wing. 

After the El Clasico win, it apparead that Alonso may have found his ideal structure – four midfielders, with Eduardo Camavinga occasionally drifting wide to help in build-up play. 

But what worked against Barcelona completely fell apart at Anfield.

Camavinga struggled with possession, misplaced passes, and positional awareness, eventually forcing Alonso to move him centrally and introduce Arda Guler for width. 

By then, however, Madrid’s shape was broken, and Liverpool had full control.

Earlier this season, teenager Franco Mastantuono was trusted with this role and was expected to make the right wing his own. However, he has not yet lived up to expectations either. 

This inconsistency is another tactical challenge that Alonso must solve to bring stability and balance to the team’s attack.

Find more scorers

Real Madrid cannot continue to rely on Kylian Mbappe. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s heavy dependence on Kylian Mbappe is another issue that can no longer be ignored. 

The Frenchman has already scored 18 goals this season, which is an astonishing tally compared to Vinícius Jr.’s five. Beyond them, few others have consistently found the net.

In total, just seven players have scored for Los Blancos this campaign. That narrow spread of goals makes Madrid dangerously predictable. 

Once Mbappe or Vinicius, or say Jude Bellingham for that matter, are neutralised, Alonso’s team looks devoid of ideas and attacking threat.

This Real Madrid project remains fascinating but also an unfinished experiment. To reach the level expected, Alonso must urgently tighten some of these issues on priority.