{"id":10979,"date":"2025-08-07T13:35:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T13:35:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/?p=10979"},"modified":"2025-08-07T13:35:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T13:35:18","slug":"real-madrid-season-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/real-madrid-season-preview","title":{"rendered":"Real Madrid Season Preview &#8211; Xabi Alonso has a job on his hands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/real-madrid-131\">Real Madrid<\/a> faithful is buzzing with a mix of nostalgia and nervous anticipation. Xabi Alonso, the suave midfielder who once orchestrated play for Real Madrid, is back, this time in the dugout. After a trophyless 2024-25 season that left fans grumbling and rivals gloating, the club legend is tasked with steering the Gal\u00e1cticos back to glory. It\u2019s a tall order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A revamped squad, a packed schedule, and a strengthening Barcelona led by a maturing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/lamine-yamal-131182\">Lamine Yamal <\/a>and new signing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/marcus-rashford-39803\">Marcus Rashford<\/a> stand in his way. Add in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/jude-bellingham-73000\">Jude Bellingham\u2019s<\/a> injury woes and the weight of expectation, and Alonso\u2019s got a proper puzzle to solve. Here\u2019s a deep look at what\u2019s in store for Real Madrid\u2019s 2025-26 season, from the transfer buzz to the tactical tweaks and the battles that\u2019ll define their campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Real Madrid are hungry for glory<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-managerial-shuffle-xabi-takes-the-throne\">Xabi Takes the Managerial Throne<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#-1\">Trent and Transfers<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#-1-2\">Bellingham&#8217;s Shoulder Struggles<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#-1-1-1\">Battling Barcelona&#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#-1-2-2\">How will Alonso set up Real Madrid tactically?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#s\">Real Madrid Squad Dynamics<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#expe\">Expectations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-managerial-shuffle-xabi-takes-the-throne\">Xabi Takes the Managerial Throne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When Carlo Ancelotti packed his bags for Brazil after a mutual parting, it marked the end of an era. The Italian maestro, with 15 trophies, left a legacy that\u2019s tough to follow. Enter Xabi Alonso, announced as the new boss two days later, signing a three-year deal. The 43-year-old Spaniard isn\u2019t just a sentimental pick. His stock soared at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led an unbeaten Bundesliga charge in 2023-24 and reached a Europa League final. Last season\u2019s second-place finish behind Bayern Munich proved he\u2019s no one-hit wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alonso\u2019s appointment feels like a homecoming with a twist. He knows the Bernab\u00e9u\u2019s pressure cooker, having played 236 games for the club, lifting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/uefa-champions-league-572\">Champions League<\/a> and La Liga title. His calm demeanor and tactical nous, honed under mentors like Rafa Ben\u00edtez and Pep Guardiola, make him a natural fit. But the honeymoon period was short. The FIFA Club World Cup kicked off against Al Hilal on June 18th in Miami, and Real Madrid were off to a good start. That was until they got pummelled 4-0 by a swashbuckling PSG side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fans will still be chanting his name, but they\u2019ll expect silverware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"706\" src=\"\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/GettyImages-168956092-1024x706.jpg\" alt=\"MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 17:  Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Real Madrid CF celebrates with teammates Mesut Ozil (C) and Xabi Alonso (R) after scoring the opening goal during the Copa del Rey Final match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 17, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. \" class=\"wp-image-5016\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-1\">Trent and Transfers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The summer transfer window was a whirlwind, and Real Madrid didn\u2019t mess around. The headline grabber was of course <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/trent-alexander-arnold-45861\">Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/a>, the scouse wizard, joining on a free transfer with a six-year deal. His arrival is a coup, bringing world-class passing and set-piece magic to the right flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alonso\u2019s already plotting to use him as a wing-back in possession, dropping into a back five when defending, a role that plays to Trent\u2019s strengths while masking his defensive wobbles. Early games have showed his flair, and natural suiting to the Real Madrid white. But whispers of concern linger about his one-on-one defending, a challenge Alonso\u2019s keen to address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Who\u2019s got the tightest backline on the planet right now? \ud83c\udf0d\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f<br \/><br \/>Liverpool? Man City? Barcelona? Real Madrid? PSG? Arsenal?<br \/><br \/>One thing\u2019s for sure \u2014 attackers are sweating \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8<br \/><br \/>Drop your pick \ud83d\udc47 Who\u2019s the real brick wall in football today? <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/R0gQylYGs1\">pic.twitter.com\/R0gQylYGs1<\/a><\/p>\r\n\u2014 365Scores (@365Scores) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/365Scores\/status\/1946978509852725572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 20, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond Trent, the defense got a serious glow-up. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/dean-huijsen-124224\">Dean Huijsen<\/a>, a Spanish center-back from Bournemouth, signed a five-year deal, adding youth and physicality. \u00c1lvaro Carreras, nabbed from Benfica brings versatility at left-back. And then there\u2019s Franco Mastantuono, an 18-year-old midfielder from River Plate, set to join in August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the flip side, the exits hit hard. Luka Modri\u0107, the 39-year-old maestro with 28 trophies, left for AC Milan. Lucas V\u00e1zquez, a fan favorite and former captain, departed as a free agent on after 23 trophies. There\u2019s talk of more outgoings, with Rodrygo and David Alaba potentially on the chopping block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-1-2\">Bellingham&#8217;s Shoulder Struggles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just when Alonso thought he had his midfield sorted, Jude Bellingham&#8217;s shoulder threw a spanner in the works. The England star, a talisman since his 2023 move from Borussia Dortmund, underwent shoulder surgery and won\u2019t return until October 2025. It\u2019s a blow. Bellingham\u2019s dynamism, with nine goals and eight assists last season in La Liga, is central to Madrid\u2019s engine room. His absence leaves a gap in both leadership and versatility, especially in Alonso\u2019s preferred 3-4-2-1 setup, where he thrives as a box-to-box midfielder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The silver lining could be Arda G\u00fcler, the Turkish prodigy, who stepped up in the Club World Cup, impressing in a central role. Still, Bellingham\u2019s injury adds pressure to an already tight schedule, with the La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19 looming. Fans are holding their breath, hoping the squad\u2019s depth can cover until their star man returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"731\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/GettyImages-1761647432-731x1024.jpg\" alt=\"BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 28: Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 28, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.\" class=\"wp-image-5359\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Pedro Salado\/Quality Sport Images\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-1-1-1\">Battling Barcelona&#8230;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Over on the coast, Barcelona are feeling good. After snatching La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup from Madrid\u2019s grasp in 2024-25, they\u2019re not resting on their laurels. Hansi Flick\u2019s side added Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, a signing that\u2019s got Alonso strategizing already. Rashford, likely rotating with Raphinha on the left wing, brings pace and unpredictability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then there\u2019s Lamine Yamal, Barcelona\u2019s 18-year-old sensation. Fresh off generational season and a 2025 Kopa Trophy nomination, Yamal\u2019s maturing into a world-beater. His flair and goal-scoring nous make him a nightmare for defenses, and with Rashford adding depth, Barcelona\u2019s attack is a serious threat. Madrid\u2019s 4-3 loss in last season\u2019s Cl\u00e1sico, despite Kylian Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s hat-trick, stings. Alonso knows he\u2019s got to outsmart Flick\u2019s high-pressing system to reclaim bragging rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2212338922-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"2025\/26 YAMAL - ESTADI OLIMPIC LLUIS COMPANYS, BARCELONA, SPAIN - 2025\/04\/30: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024\/25 semi-final first leg football match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale. The match ended 3-3 tie.\" class=\"wp-image-10554\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Nicol\u00f2 Campo\/LightRocket via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-1-2-2\">How will Alonso set up Real Madrid tactically?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>His 3-4-2-1 formation, a staple from Leverkusen, emphasizes flexibility. In possession, wing-backs like Alexander-Arnold push high, while out of possession, they drop to form a solid back five. It\u2019s a system that lets <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/kylian-mbappe-39820\">Kylian Mbapp\u00e9<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/kylian-mbappe-39820\">Vinicius Jr.<\/a> wreak havoc up top, with the duo expected to form a lethal front two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2205271548-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"VILLARREAL, SPAIN - MARCH 15: Kylian Mbappe player of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between Villarreal CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de la Ceramica on March 15, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. \" class=\"wp-image-10475\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Helios de la Rubia\/Real Madrid via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Alonso\u2019s already brainstorming ways to maximize their output, possibly using Vini\u2019s dribbling on the leftside and Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s clinical finishing more centrally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In midfield, Federico Valverde\u2019s versatility is a godsend, likely anchoring alongside Tchouam\u00e9ni or Camavinga until Bellingham returns. Alonso\u2019s obsession with video analysis, honed at Leverkusen, will see him drilling players on quick ball recoveries and precise pressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/GettyImages-1247424200-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"MONACO, MONACO - FEBRUARY 23: Bayer Leverkusen Head Coach of Xabi Alonso gestures during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two match between AS Monaco and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stade Louis II on February 23, 2023 in Monaco, Monaco. \" class=\"wp-image-5017\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Marcio Machado\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"s\">Real Madrid Squad Dynamics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This squad is a manager\u2019s dream and nightmare rolled into one. Mbapp\u00e9, La Liga\u2019s top scorer last season with 31 goals and Real Madrid&#8217;s new number 10, is under pressure to deliver trophies, not just stats. Vini Jr., runner-up for the 2024 Ballon d\u2019Or, is a dribbling dynamo. Alonso\u2019s challenge is blending egos while keeping Rodrygo happy, as the Brazilian\u2019s rumored frustration could see him leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udea8 Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 didn\u2019t request the iconic No. 10 shirt \u2014 Real Madrid made that decision. \ud83d\udc55\ud83d\udc51<br \/><br \/>The club is now expecting record-breaking sales from the new Mbapp\u00e9 10 jersey. \ud83d\udcb0\ud83d\udd25<br \/><br \/>A new era begins at the Bernab\u00e9u\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/oTlVKENPSJ\">pic.twitter.com\/oTlVKENPSJ<\/a><\/p>\r\n\u2014 365Scores (@365Scores) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/365Scores\/status\/1947763797919146490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 22, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In defense, \u00c9der Milit\u00e3o and Antonio R\u00fcdiger form a rock-solid core, but injuries to David Alaba and Ferland Mendy raise questions. Huijsen and Carreras add depth, but it\u2019s Trent\u2019s adaptation that\u2019ll make or break the backline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Youngsters like G\u00fcler, Gonzalo Garcia, and Endrick could be wildcard factors, especially with Alonso\u2019s knack for nurturing talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udd25 Real Madrid\u2019s wage bill is WILD!<br \/><br \/>\ud83d\udcb8 Mbapp\u00e9 topping the list at \u20ac31.3M \u2014 more than Camavinga, Tchouam\u00e9ni &amp; Rodrygo combined!<br \/><br \/>\ud83d\udc51 Gal\u00e1cticos 2.0 isn\u2019t cheap&#8230; but will it deliver?<br \/><br \/>Who\u2019s underpaid? Who\u2019s overpaid? \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udc47 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/2sr7R9kuQa\">pic.twitter.com\/2sr7R9kuQa<\/a><\/p>\r\n\u2014 365Scores (@365Scores) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/365Scores\/status\/1947004479045247171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 20, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"expe\">Expectations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bernab\u00e9u faithful are buzzing, but they\u2019re not naive. After last season\u2019s shutout, they\u2019re desperate for silverware. Alonso\u2019s arrival has sparked hope, with his Leverkusen success and Madrid roots earning instant respect. Fans are hyped about Trent\u2019s passing, Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s goals, and chill guy Huijsen. But there\u2019s caution too. Bellingham\u2019s injury, the tight schedule, and Barcelona\u2019s new-look attack have some biting their nails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>El Cl\u00e1sico will be the ultimate test. Neutralizing Rashford and Yamal while outgunning Flick\u2019s press is no small feat. Alonso\u2019s already plotting, with Trent tasked to lock down the right. If Madrid can start strong in the Club World Cup and carry momentum into La Liga, the fans will be dreaming of a 16th Champions League and a 36th league title. Anything less, and the pressure will mount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Xabi Alonso\u2019s got a job on his hands, no doubt. A squad brimming with talent, a rival ready to pounce, and a fanbase hungry for success make this a high-stakes gig. His tactical smarts, transfer savvy, and cool-headedness give him a fighting chance. Trent\u2019s arrival, Bellingham\u2019s eventual return, and a youth infusion could make this Madrid side unstoppable, just as Alonso promised. But with Barcelona\u2019s new toys and a relentless schedule, it\u2019s a steep climb. Buckle up, Madridistas. The 2025-26 season is gonna be a wild ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<p><em>By Nicky Helfgott \/ @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Keep up with all the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/laliga-11\/news\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/laliga-11\/news\">La Liga news<\/a> and live scores on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/\">365Scores<\/a> website and app!<\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:html --><\/p>\n<div class=\"riddle2-wrapper\" style=\"margin: 0 auto; max-width: 100%; width: 640px;\" data-rid-id=\"zjs4kjpQ\" data-auto-scroll=\"true\" data-is-fixed-height-enabled=\"false\" data-bg=\"#fff\" data-fg=\"#00205b\"><script src=\"https:\/\/www.riddle.com\/embed\/build-embedjs\/embedV2.js\"><\/script><iframe title=\"Where will Real Madrid finish this season?\" src=\"https:\/\/www.riddle.com\/embed\/a\/zjs4kjpQ?lazyImages=false&amp;staticHeight=false\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><!-- \/wp:html --><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Real Madrid faithful is buzzing with a mix of nostalgia and nervous anticipation. Xabi Alonso, the suave midfielder who once orchestrated play for Real Madrid, is back, this time in the dugout. After a trophyless 2024-25 season that left fans grumbling and rivals gloating, the club legend is tasked with steering the Gal\u00e1cticos back &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":10143,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2340,9],"tags":[3872,3819,1095,213,1126,3035,1019,3673,3025,586,188,160,1287,589,59,20,3873,1907],"class_list":["post-10979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-la-liga","category-soccer","tag-2025-26-season-2","tag-alvaro-carreras","tag-barcelona","tag-carlo-ancelotti","tag-champions-league","tag-dean-huijsen","tag-el-clasico","tag-fifa-club-world-cup","tag-franco-mastantuono","tag-jude-bellingham","tag-kylian-mbappe","tag-la-liga","tag-lamine-yamal","tag-marcus-rashford","tag-real-madrid","tag-trent-alexander-arnold","tag-vinicius-jr-2","tag-xabi-alonso","article_type-discover","article_type-news","entity_type-competition","entity_type-competitor","inspiration-365s-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10979"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10979\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10994,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10979\/revisions\/10994"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10143"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}