🔎 2025-26 season: is Xabi Alonso ready to take Real Madrid back to the top? | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s season kicks off this Tuesday, August 19, against Osasuna. After a difficult previous campaign and a turbulent summer in the transfer market, Real wants to reclaim its place as champion of Spain... and maybe even of Europe.

The Transfer Market 💰

Even though injuries were a handicap, last season highlighted the deep imbalances in Real Madrid’s squad. To get back on track and give Xabi Alonso the means to succeed, the Madrid management opened their checkbook.

With Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric both out of contract and departing, Madrid welcomed four new signings for a total of around 167 million euros. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras, and Dean Huijsen have come in to strengthen a defense that desperately needed it, while the young gem Franco Mastantuono has also arrived.

While the transfer window seems closed in terms of arrivals, it remains to be seen whether Rodrygo will still be a Real Madrid player when the transfer market closes. For several weeks, the press has been reporting on a possible move to the Premier League.

Pre-season ☀️

Having reached the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, Real Madrid barely had time for any pre-season preparation, much like PSG.

Before the start of La Liga, Madrid only faced WSG Tirol, a team from the Austrian league. The match ended in a 4-0 victory, with a brace from Kylian Mbappé and goals from Eder Militao and Rodrygo.

The Objectives 💪

Quite simply, to win titles again. Last season was frustrating, with only a victory in the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

Not that far behind Barça in the league despite a lackluster campaign by their standards, Real has given itself the means to reclaim its throne thanks to the transfer window. Additionally, Madrid wants to erase the humiliation suffered against Arsenal (eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals).

While titles are a must for Real, they will also need to put an end to the losing streak in El Clásico. Kylian Mbappé’s teammates lost all four they played last season, conceding at least three goals each time (4-0, 5-2, 3-2, 4-3).

The 3️⃣ Leaders

Top European scorer last season, Kylian Mbappé has already become the driving force of Madrid’s attack, and that should logically continue this season.

Completely missing in action after losing the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Jr is expected to bounce back this season. Real will need their number 7 at his best to reach the top again.

Moved around to different positions throughout last season, Federico Valverde remains one of the stalwarts of Los Blancos. Now vice-captain, the Uruguayan midfielder is expected to be his coach’s relay on the pitch, especially with Bellingham out for a few months.

The Youngster to Watch 💎

Of course, we could have mentioned Gonzalo Garcia, who shone at the Club World Cup, but it’s hard not to highlight Arda Güler.

After two frustrating seasons in terms of playing time, the Turkish prodigy finally seems ready to become the playmaker for Madrid.

One thing is certain, Xabi Alonso is counting on him and has already installed him in this role since the World Cup. The year of his breakthrough?

The Starting XI 🔥

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 CHANDAN KHANNA - AFP or licensors