Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid began under tough circumstances, as the new head coach watched his team fall 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final of the Club World Cup. Thrown straight into competitive action, Alonso saw his side concede two early goals and trail 3-0 by half-time at MetLife Stadium before PSG sealed their place in the final with a fourth strike.
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid comes with the challenge of rebuilding a squad still finding its shape. “PSG are a team that have been built over time, while we are practically just beginning,” Alonso admitted. “We have a lot of room for improvement and many things to work on. This match will teach us valuable lessons.”
A Tough Start but a Positive Outlook
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid officially began in May when he replaced Carlo Ancelotti after an impressive spell at Bayer Leverkusen. However, instead of easing into the job, Alonso had to take charge of the team during a major tournament without a proper pre-season, making the task much harder.
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid was put to the test against seasoned opponents. After early success in the Club World Cup group stage and narrow wins over Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, the semifinal loss exposed gaps in preparation. But Alonso remained optimistic. “This marks the end of one season, not the beginning of the next,” he said. “We’ll come away stronger.”
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid also involves setting a clear direction. “We’re just beginning to understand where we want to go and how we’re going to get there,” he added, praising PSG’s quality while recognizing Madrid’s current limits. “We accept the result and focus on building.”
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Fresh Faces and Farewells
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid is not just about new tactics but also about new faces. Despite the loss, young striker Gonzalo Garcia stood out by scoring four goals in five games. New arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen also got their first run in a Madrid shirt.
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid also marked the emotional end of a legendary chapter. Luka Modric, 39, made his final appearance for the club, drawing the curtain on a glorious 13-year career. Modric is now set to join AC Milan, leaving Alonso to rebuild the midfield with a fresh perspective.
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid follows a season where the club finished second in La Liga and Copa del Rey and fell in the Champions League quarterfinals to Arsenal. The club hopes Alonso’s leadership will lead them back to glory, especially as he’s already shown tactical flexibility in switching defensive systems during the tournament.
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid will get its real momentum in August, as La Liga kicks off on the 19th with a home fixture against Osasuna. Despite trying to postpone the match to allow more preparation time, Real Madrid’s request was denied, giving Alonso and his players less than six weeks to prepare.
Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid will also feature the arrival of Franco Mastantuono, a highly rated 17-year-old attacking midfielder from River Plate, who joins for €63 million. His youthful energy could be a key part of the team’s transformation.
“In August, the 2025/26 season begins,” Alonso said. “Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid means doing things differently. We’re starting from scratch.”
With new signings, big lessons learned, and a clear vision from their new coach, Xabi Alonso’s Fresh Start for Real Madrid promises to be one of the most closely watched rebuilds in European football.
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