Real Madrid’s Strong Defensive Start to the New Season in La Liga
Real Madrid has kicked off the new season in La Liga with an impressive display of defensive strength, securing back-to-back clean sheets in their first two matches. This positive start has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the team’s potential to maintain their solidity in defense throughout the season.
Has Alonso Fixed Real Madrid’s Longstanding Defensive Issues?
Under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid seems to have found a solution to their defensive woes that plagued them in the previous season, where they conceded a total of 84 goals across all competitions. The team’s defensive improvement has been evident in their first two matches of the 2025/26 La Liga season, where they recorded victories against Osasuna and Real Oviedo while keeping clean sheets in both games.
Against Osasuna, Real Madrid’s defensive performance limited their opponents to a mere 0.36 xG and two shots throughout the match. The trend continued in their match against Real Oviedo, where the newly promoted side struggled to create opportunities, with their xG tally standing at just 0.51. This newfound defensive resilience has been complemented by an improved offensive display and better organization on the pitch.
Key defensive signings, including Dean Huijsen and the return of Dani Carvajal from injury, have bolstered Real Madrid’s backline. Additionally, the team’s structured approach under Alonso’s leadership has contributed to their early-season success.
Looking Ahead: Maintaining Defensive Solidity
Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures present opportunities for them to further showcase their defensive capabilities. A home clash against Mallorca offers the team a favorable chance to secure another clean sheet, with the Balearic Islanders struggling to find the back of the net so far this season. The team’s strong defensive record could also be tested in an away match against Real Sociedad, although recent encounters between the two sides have been low-scoring affairs.
As Real Madrid progresses through the season, matches against Espanyol and Levante provide additional opportunities to showcase their defensive prowess before a highly anticipated Madrid derby against Atletico in late September. Despite Barcelona being the current favorites in the outright betting markets, Real Madrid’s strong defensive start and attacking prowess, led by Kylian Mbappe, have positioned them as strong contenders for the La Liga title.
In conclusion, Xabi Alonso’s defensive strategies have already shown promising results for Real Madrid at the start of the season. With a focus on maintaining defensive solidity and building on their early successes, the team is poised to challenge for the La Liga title and continue their impressive form in the coming matches.
The Impact of Player Rotation on Real Madrid’s Defensive Success
One of the key factors contributing to Real Madrid’s strong defensive start to the season is the effective player rotation implemented by manager Xabi Alonso. By utilizing the depth of their squad, Alonso has been able to keep his players fresh and maintain a high level of performance in every match. This strategic rotation not only prevents fatigue but also allows for different defensive partnerships to be tested, ensuring that the team remains solid at the back regardless of the lineup.
Players like Eder Militao and David Alaba have seamlessly transitioned into the starting lineup when needed, showcasing the depth and versatility of Real Madrid’s defensive options. This flexibility has proven crucial in maintaining the team’s defensive solidity and adapting to different opponents’ playing styles.
The Importance of Tactical Discipline in Real Madrid’s Defensive Strategy
Another aspect that has contributed to Real Madrid’s defensive improvement is the tactical discipline instilled by Xabi Alonso. The team’s defensive shape has been compact and well-organized, making it difficult for opposition teams to break through. Alonso’s emphasis on defensive positioning, pressing triggers, and quick transitions has allowed Real Madrid to control games and limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities.
Furthermore, the team’s commitment to defending from the front, with forwards like Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. leading the press, has set the tone for a cohesive defensive effort from the entire team. This collective defensive mindset, combined with individual excellence from players like Casemiro in midfield and Thibaut Courtois in goal, has created a formidable defensive unit that is difficult to breach.
Striking a Balance Between Defense and Attack
While Real Madrid’s defensive solidity has been a standout feature of their early-season performances, it is essential for the team to strike a balance between defense and attack to maintain their success throughout the season. Xabi Alonso’s tactics have not only improved the team’s defensive resilience but also unleashed their attacking potential, with players like Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, and Karim Benzema thriving in the final third.
By maintaining a strong defensive foundation while also posing a threat in attack, Real Madrid has become a well-rounded team capable of dominating games on both ends of the pitch. This balanced approach will be crucial as the season progresses and the team faces stiffer competition in both domestic and European competitions.
Continuing the Defensive Momentum
As Real Madrid looks to build on their strong defensive start to the season, maintaining their defensive momentum will be key to their success. With upcoming matches against challenging opponents, including Sevilla and Valencia, the team will face tougher tests that will require them to remain resolute at the back.
By staying true to Xabi Alonso’s defensive principles, rotating effectively, and striking a balance between defense and attack, Real Madrid has the potential to establish themselves as serious title contenders in La Liga. The team’s early-season performances have laid a solid foundation for success, and it will be fascinating to see how they continue to evolve and improve as the season unfolds.
