For seven straight glorious weeks, Xabi Alonso's new Real Madrid project was deemed untouchable a perfect machine gliding seamlessly toward the summit of La Liga. Then came the Madrid Derby.
The 5-2 annihilation at the Metropolitano wasn't merely a loss; it was a psychological implosion, a collapse so profound that it shattered the flawless façade and exposed structural vulnerabilities in the "construction phase." In the icy aftermath, a club legend warned that the humbling defeat had "revived a monster" within the club's defensive psyche, forcing Alonso, his captain, and the entire hierarchy into immediate, brutal self-assessment.
This is the story of how Real Madrid failed its first major test, why the lack of "intensity" is only the surface problem, and the high-pressure, non-negotiable response required to stop the season from spiraling into crisis.
This comprehensive analysis is based on the fallout and reaction from Real Madrid's 5-2 La Liga derby defeat to Atlético Madrid on Saturday, September 27, 2025, which ended the team's perfect start to the season under new coach Xabi Alonso.
The reaction, both internal and external, has been characterized by shock, intense self-criticism, and the immediate recognition that this disastrous result represents the first major test of the new project.
I. The Disaster: Match Analysis and Collapse
Real Madrid suffered a
humiliating 5-2 loss at the Metropolitano Stadium, their first defeat of the
2025/2026 season in all competitions.
1. The Scoreline and Statistics
·
The
Collapse: Real Madrid twice led
(or were level) in the first half (2-2), but the team suffered a complete
collapse in the second, conceding three unanswered goals.
·
Offensive
Ineffectiveness: The team was
statistically outclassed. Real Madrid managed only two shots on target
throughout the entire match, compared to Atlético Madrid's seven (five of which
resulted in a goal). Crucially, Real Madrid failed to register a single
shot on target in the second half.
·
Defensive
Frailty: Atlético Madrid ended
the match with 13 attempts on goal, eight of which came from inside the box,
highlighting the immense space and freedom afforded to their attackers.
2. Key Tactical Failures
The loss was
attributed to two main issues exposed by Atlético:
·
Lack
of Intensity: Coach Alonso and
critics consistently pointed out that Real Madrid did not match Atlético's
"intensity." They were repeatedly second best in duels and failed to
recover the ball in the opponent's half.
· Set Piece and Aerial Vulnerability: The defense was described as a "drama" on every cross. Even young defender Dean Huijsen struggled in aerial battles, and the defense looked structurally unsound, particularly after a key injury (see below).
II. The Internal Reaction: Xabi Alonso and Players
The reaction from
inside the Real Madrid camp was one of pain and a commitment to learn from the
humbling experience.
1. Xabi Alonso’s Assessment
The manager was direct
and critical of his team's performance:
·
Admission
of Failure: Alonso stated it was
a "bad game" where the team did not play well "collectively or
in the quality of the game with and without the ball." He admitted the
defeat was "deserved."
·
The
Most Worrying Aspect: He identified the
core problem as a "lack of that intensity"
and the fact that the team "didn't compete enough" at the level
required for a derby. we can say that real madrid players are not in game due to the way he want to win this game they have few chances
·
The
Path Forward: Alonso contextualized
the defeat by reminding people that this is a "construction phase"
and that the team must draw positive conclusions from the pain to grow.
"We have to be critical of ourselves, draw conclusions, and try to
improve."
2. Player Frustration and Self-Critique
·
Federico
Valverde: The midfielder (and
captain) openly admitted he is currently "frustrated"
and struggling to find comfort and form in his current position under Alonso,
despite respecting the coach's decisions. He committed to continuing to
"give my all as captain."
· Fitness Concerns: Journalists singled out several players, including Jude Bellingham (who had just returned from injury) and fullback Álvaro Carreras, whose fitness and form were questioned given the high-intensity derby match.
III. The External Fallout and Severe Criticism
The reaction from
former players and media was particularly harsh, suggesting the defeat exposed
deep-seated flaws.
1. Jorge Valdano’s "Monster" Warning
Club legend Jorge Valdano
delivered the most damning assessment, claiming the performance "revived
a monster"a reference to the team's tendency to suffer humiliating,
heavy defeats (like the 5-0 El Clásico loss in 2010). He warned that "Atlético ended up dominating Real Madrid
in a way we haven't seen in a long time."
2. Tactical Scrutiny
Alonso faced his first
wave of significant tactical criticism. Journalists suggested he was too conservative and failed to make effective in-game
adjustments, comparing his passivity to the final, criticized phase of former
coach Carlo Ancelotti's tenure.
3. Injury Crisis Deepens
The humiliation was compounded by the fact that defender Éder Militão was forced off the field at halftime with an injury. This significant blow exacerbates the team's known defensive issues ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
IV. The Road Ahead: The Required Reaction
The loss ended Real Madrid's
perfect streak, dropping them to second place in La Liga, one point behind
rivals Barcelona.5 The team is now under immediate pressure to
demonstrate their resilience.
·
Immediate
Response: The focus is entirely
on the next match: a Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty.
This game is viewed as the non-negotiable opportunity for the team to bounce
back, restore confidence, and prove that the derby defeat was an anomaly rather
than a sign of structural weakness in the new project.
·
The
Test for Alonso: This defeat marks the
first true crisis for Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid coach, moving his tenure from
a smooth start to an intense scrutiny period where his ability to lift the team
and correct fundamental tactical issues will be tested.
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