Xabi Alonso accused of making ‘a huge mistake’ in Real Madrid’s defeat to Atlético | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has on Saturday been singled out for widespread criticism online.

As much comes owing to a major decision made by the Spaniard during his side’s meeting with city rivals Atlético.

The latest edition of the Madrid Derby was of course played to completion a short time ago.

The matchup saw Diego Simeone’s Atlético act as hosts, welcoming table-topping Real to the Metropolitano for a La Liga clash.

And when all was said and done, it was the former who emerged on the right side of an altogether one-sided result.

After taking a 2-1 lead during the first-half, the evening’s visitors completely collapsed on either side of the interval, culminating in an eventual 5-2 defeat.

A whole host of Real Madrid’s stars have since been singled out for deserved criticism in the game’s aftermath, with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Álvaro Carreras all targeted.

As alluded to above, though, also not spared from condemnation on Saturday evening is Blancos headmaster Xabi Alonso.

Tactician Alonso has been widely slammed for one particular personnel choice in the derby.

As much saw the former midfielder haul off Arda Güler – fresh off a goal and an assist – early in the 2nd-half, culminating in Real Madrid losing their key source of creativity.

Conor Laird – GSFN