Xabi Alonso takes charge of Real Madrid for the very first time in a competitive match as the Spanish giants lock horns with Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup.
With a fresh-faced lineup, including new arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, the match could set the tone for Alonso’s reign—and perhaps even shape Madrid’s summer narrative.
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[REPORT] Alonso’s First Test: All Eyes on Debuts and Decisions
Yes, you heard that right! Real Madrid, under new boss Xabi Alonso, is heading into the Club World Cup clash against Al-Hilal with more than just a trophy on the line. The 43-year-old replaces Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout, and with the pressure dialed up to eleven, he’s expected to stamp his identity right from the get-go.
The squad’s been shaken like a snow globe. Trent Alexander-Arnold—fresh from Liverpool with a £10m tag—is all but confirmed to start at right-back.
Alongside him in defense, £50m signing Dean Huijsen will likely partner Gonzalo García, with Fran García completing the back line. It’s a mix of youth and experience, ambition and readiness, as Real Madrid attempt to plug injury gaps while maintaining tactical fluidity.
🚨 Dani Ceballos: “Xabi Alonso is teaching us new things.
He is a very tactical coach, very positional, and he wants us to win the ball back in the opponent’s half.
Little by little, we’re doing what he asks of us.” pic.twitter.com/Q8AkbLexmp
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 17, 2025
Who’s In, Who’s Out: Real’s New Look Lineup
Kylian Mbappé was ruled out due to illness, paving the way for Gonzalo García to spearhead the attack, flanked by the ever-electric duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. Midfield sees a robust trio of Valverde, Tchouameni, and Bellingham—a combination that’s as versatile as a Swiss army knife.
But the casualty list is as long as a winter night. Ferland Mendy and young prodigy Endrick are sidelined with muscle injuries. Camavinga, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, and Rudiger might all miss the opener, leaving Alonso with a jigsaw puzzle in defense.
Projected Starting XI:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Gonzalo García, Fran García; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Gonzalo García.
Pressure Cooker Debut: Can Alonso Handle the Heat?
The Santiago Bernabéu may be over 7,000 kilometers away, but the expectations are traveling with Alonso like heavy luggage. With the Club World Cup offering immediate silverware and a chance to prove his credentials, this isn’t just a warm-up—it’s a battlefield.
Alonso’s tactics will be under the microscope. Known for disciplined pressing and compact transitions during his Bayer Leverkusen days, Madridistas are eager to see how he balances tradition with innovation.
When you’ve got full signal 📶 pic.twitter.com/Fw7kl1sebJ
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 17, 2025
Amit Mishra’s Take
As a writer and die-hard football journalist and enthusiast:
Positives:
- Alonso’s debut brings freshness and tactical curiosity.
- Alexander-Arnold’s addition could transform Madrid’s right flank dynamism.
- Youthful integration, like Huijsen, reflects long-term planning.
Bad Side:
- The injury list might hurt how strong the defence is.
- Having too many new people at the same time can mess up how well everyone gets along.
- Mbappe’s health is still uncertain until the game starts.
This seems like the start of something new—written clearly, with Alonso’s plans still fresh.
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