ATTENTION: Xabi Alonso, back on the hot seat

The defeat of Real Madrid against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final has left deep scars within the club. Not only for losing the first title of the season to their main rival but also for the feeling that the team has been surviving more out of inertia than footballing conviction.

The result has reignited a debate that had been simmering for weeks. The continuity of Xabi Alonso is now seriously in question, and the board is already considering scenarios that just a few months ago seemed unthinkable.

A Super Cup that marks a turning point

Real Madrid's path to the final had already raised significant doubts. In the semi-finals against Atletico Madrid, the white team was clearly outplayed for long periods of the match and only managed to advance thanks to their efficiency and the opponent's mistakes. Sportingly, the pass did not convince either inside or outside the club.

In the final against Barcelona, the margin was even slimmer. Although the scoreline showed a 3-2 that could imply equality, the general feeling was that Barça had the match more under control and managed the key moments better. Real Madrid competed more than many expected, but they never truly appeared capable of tipping the balance in their favor.

Xabi Alonso's chosen approach, with a very low block, compact lines, and a clearly conservative strategy, has not been well-received in the boardroom. The club acknowledges that sitting deep against Barcelona might be a temporary solution but not a sustainable path for a team aiming to dominate in Europe.

Xabi Alonso, from exciting solution to strategic doubt

Xabi Alonso arrived at Real Madrid with a great deal of excitement. His discourse, his background as a player, and his footballing proposal aligned with the idea of starting a new era. For much of the season, he managed to survive several critical moments, saving what internally were already being labeled as match balls.

However, the defeat in the Super Cup may have been the final blow. The board is beginning to embrace the idea that the team has not evolved as expected. Tactical solutions repeat themselves, structural issues persist, and there is a sense that the coach has opted to minimize risks rather than enhance the squad's talent.

His knowledge of the club and long-term capacity are not in question, but his suitability for the immediate present is. Real Madrid is not a team comfortable with defensive approaches, and that defensive focus clashes directly with the club's historical identity.

Moreover, the squad senses that insecurity. When the message from the sidelines conveys more fear of losing than ambition to win, the collective performance suffers, especially in high-stakes matches.

A season threatening to end empty-handed

The situation worsens when looking at the overall context of the season. In LaLiga, Barcelona leads and is currently the top favorite to win the title. Real Madrid not only trails in the standings but also fails to convey the sense of closing the gap through gameplay.

The European knockout rounds are yet to come, but the team does not seem to offer sufficient guarantees to compete against the continent's top teams in their current state. The Copa del Rey appears as a more accessible path, although the displayed inconsistency does not inspire much confidence.

There is genuine concern in the offices of the Santiago Bernabeu. The risk of ending the season without titles is evident, something hardly acceptable for a club of such stature. Losing the Super Cup was a blow, but also losing LaLiga would be a colossal failure.

Therefore, Xabi Alonso's position is more questioned than ever. A team reaction that changes the landscape cannot be ruled out, but patience is wearing thin. Real Madrid needs certainty, identity, and a clear proposal. If they do not arrive soon, the defeat against Barcelona in the Super Cup may go down in history as the turning point that marked the end of an era earlier than anticipated.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ATENCIÓN: Xabi Alonso, de nuevo en la cuerda floja