Key highlights for the commencement of Spain's La Liga football season
In the upcoming 2025-2026 season, Real Madrid, under the management of Xabi Alonso, are set to face a significant shift in their squad composition, particularly in defence and midfield, reflecting Alonso’s fresh approach and tactical preferences.
A notable change in the defence is the integration of summer signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras into the starting XI, with Éder Militão completing the back four. This new defence contrasts with the previous lineup and is designed to offer more security and creative width, as Alexander-Arnold brings attacking threat and vision from right-back.
In the midfield, the departures of veterans Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos (who retired in 2024) have prompted adjustments. Real Madrid have yet to finalize a direct midfield replacement but are considering options. Players like Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni are expected to return to their natural midfield roles under Alonso, who values dynamic and hard-working midfielders.
Alonso has also made unconventional decisions, such as benching Rodrygo in the La Liga opener against Osasuna despite transfer rumors, signaling strict squad management and focusing on form and fit within his system. Furthermore, Alonso altered pre-match routines, announcing the lineup about 70 minutes before kickoff instead of two hours as Ancelotti did, to bring new energy and urgency to the team’s approach.
Real Madrid's early matches under Alonso show a team striving to assert dominance and integrate new players quickly to keep pace with Barcelona, who have already secured a win in their opening game. Alonso is targeting full points from the start to maintain title contention in La Liga.
The revamped defence with younger, energetic players and the potential to reinforce midfield could improve Real’s solidity and attacking dynamics, key to challenging Barcelona and succeeding domestically and in Europe. However, the integration phase and tactical adjustments mean early performances could be cautious as the team gels.
Meanwhile, Real Oviedo have signed Spanish midfield maestro Santi Cazorla, a member of the Spain side that won the 2008 and 2012 Euro titles. Cazorla initially offered to play for nothing when he re-joined Real Oviedo but was obliged to accept the minimum wage.
Barcelona, on the other hand, have been relying on the skills of teenage star Lamine Yamal, who helped his country win Euro 2024 and is preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Barcelona excelled in attack last season, largely due to Yamal's contributions.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Atletico Madrid have lost key players such as Angel Correa, Rodrigo De Paul, and Saul Niguez, among others. To counter this, Atletico Madrid brought in playmaker Alex Baena and Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis to provide new midfield impetus.
Real Sociedad, after a poor 2024-25 campaign, have made a new managerial appointment with Sergio Francisco replacing Imanol Alguacil. Real Sociedad will have to find a way to move forward after the departure of key midfielder Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal.
Finally, Madrid could be short in midfield after Luka Modric’s departure and with Jude Bellingham set to be out until October after shoulder surgery.
In summary, Xabi Alonso’s era at Real Madrid is marked by a significant squad refresh—particularly in defence and midfield—aimed at recapturing dominance and outpacing rivals like Barcelona, with an emphasis on tactical innovation and squad discipline. While promising, the impact on performance will hinge on the cohesion of these new signings and Alonso’s evolving strategic approach throughout the 2025-2026 season.
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