Struggling Real Madrid Faces Al-Hilal: Xabi Alonso Tasked with Restoring Former Champions' Glory
Real Madrid's Club World Cup Struggles: A Slow, Sluggish, and Lethargic Start
Apparently, the skeptics were right - Xabi Alonso ain't no magician. After just three weeks in charge of Real Madrid, the new gaffer is faced with a hefty task of fixing a wounded team, brimming with vulnerabilities. In his debut match at the helm of Los Merengues, his troops failed to impress against Saudi side Al-Hilal in their entrance to the Club World Cup, playing to a disheartening 1-1 draw on June 18. A far cry from the European champions we've come to expect from the Spanish giants.
More than just a draw
Despite their 2024 European title, the Madrileños didn't exactly light up the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami (Florida, USA). In fact, they displayed the same fragilities seen during the last season, particular in the defense. They conceded numerous opportunities for the Italian Simone Inzaghi's team during the first half, leaving their netminders Thibaut Courtois with plenty of heart-pounding moments.
Defensive woes and a slow start
Right from the kick-off, Real Madrid's midfielders were too close to the defenders, causing a sluggish and hesitant attack. Madrid's defense was vulnerable, especially on the flanks, where Al-Hilal's speedy players such as Michael and Malcom created havoc with their counters. Madrid's aggressiveness and high defensive line, under Alonso's new tactics, were inconsistently implemented throughout the game.
Moreover, the team appeared to be 'more apathetic' in the first half, as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois described, only switching to a more aggressive style in the second. Additionally, some key players didn't live up to expectations, leaving Florentino Pérez craving for better performances.
A transitional period
As the reigning European champions, Real Madrid were expected to show their dominance against Al-Hilal. However, the draw was seen as a disappointment, reflecting a team still in the midst of a facelift rather than operating at its usual peaks. The new tactical setup under Alonso requires a degree of patience as players find their footing.
Despite acknowledging the shortcomings, both Alonso and Courtois stressed the importance of time to perfect the new playing style. With only a handful of days under Alonso's command and limited joint training sessions, the underperformance vs their championship-level standards can be partly attributed to this transitional period.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal exploited the opposition's weaknesses, which further underscored Madrid's struggles in the match.
In essence, Real Madrid's weaknesses were their slow tempo, questionable defensive organization, unfamiliarity with the new tactical approach, and merely average player performances - all factors that fell short of the lofty expectations placed on the 2024 European champions at the Club World Cup.
The European champions, Real Madrid, showcased their defensive vulnerabilities in the Club World Cup match against Al-Hilal, conceding numerous opportunities particularly in the first half. Despite the team's 2024 European title, their performance in the tournament was a far cry from the high standards associated with the Spanish giants, with many key players failing to meet expectations.
As Real Madrid underwent a transitional period under new manager Xabi Alonso, the team's unfamiliarity with the new tactical approach and slow tempo contributed to their questionable defense and underperformance. The team appeared to be in the midst of a facelift rather than operating at their usual peaks in the Club World Cup.
