The 2025-2026 season for Real Madrid began with a sense of renewed purpose under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. Although his initial period included a mixed Club World Cup performance culminating in a decisive 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, there was a prevailing feeling that the team was entering a modern era. The Santiago Bernabeu faithful, accustomed to victories, initially tolerated the new approach, especially as the team secured 15 wins in its first 16 matches. This promising start, however, soon revealed underlying tensions that would ultimately contribute to a season of internal strife and unexpected setbacks. The initial optimism, stemming from what appeared to be a sustainable system and tangible progress, gradually gave way to mounting internal pressure.
This pressure intensified following a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, a clear indication that lingering issues from the Ancelotti era had yet to be resolved. The subsequent substitution of Vinicius Junior proved to be a pivotal moment, derailing Alonso's leadership. Despite Alonso's demonstrated tactical acumen at Bayer Leverkusen, his inability to effectively manage the dressing room, particularly the team's superstars, came as a surprise. Even more disheartening was President Florentino Perez’s decision to discipline Vinicius, which many viewed as the beginning of the end for Alonso’s tenure, ironically just after a perfectly executed Clasico victory. Following this event, Real Madrid experienced a downturn, winning only three of their next nine games, exposing deep divisions within the club. Alonso's dismissal in January, after a Supercup loss to Barcelona, was largely seen as a necessary move due to his diminished influence over the squad. The subsequent embarrassing defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey further underscored that the team's problems ran deeper than just the manager, signaling a systemic crisis.
Alvaro Arbeloa temporarily stabilized the situation after another collapse against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, though this reprieve was short-lived. Intriguingly, Kylian Mbappe’s absence coincided with Vinicius’s peak performance and the team’s best displays, including a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory over Manchester City. However, an earlier draw against Getafe at the Bernabeu, also without Mbappe, demonstrated that Arbeloa had not found a definitive solution to the team’s inconsistencies. The fleeting hope spurred by victories against Atletico Madrid and City ultimately proved misleading. Real Madrid managed only one win in six matches during April, and while they showed some resilience against Bayern Munich, their lackluster performances against RCD Mallorca, Girona, and Real Betis highlighted deeper structural issues. Had they secured maximum points in those matches, they could have approached El Clasico with a chance to claim the top spot in the league.
The season concluded with a sense of disarray, marked by Arbeloa's impending departure, Mbappe's social media posts, and Fede Valverde's altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni. President Perez, facing unprecedented criticism from his own fanbase, also chose to remain out of sight amidst growing internal conflicts. Despite players downplaying media reports, it became undeniable that Real Madrid was experiencing an unhealthy period at all levels. While Alonso was envisioned as the architect of a new era, equipped with a strategic mind comparable to Pep Guardiola, his inability to seamlessly integrate new talent and manage star players ultimately led to his downfall. The void left by Toni Kroos was never adequately filled, and Alonso struggled to optimize the team’s midfield, with Fede Valverde failing to live up to expectations. Furthermore, the challenge of harmonizing Mbappe and Vinicius’s roles on the field remained unresolved, a problem exacerbated by Perez's perceived leniency towards Vinicius's behavior. This lack of decisive leadership and internal cohesion ultimately undermined the season. Aurelien Tchouameni, despite the team's struggles, emerged as a standout performer, providing consistent stability in midfield. His importance was highlighted by the team's poor record in his absence. Arda Guler was another pleasant surprise, demonstrating immense talent and a crucial connection with Mbappe, playing a key role in decisive matches. Conversely, Dani Carvajal and Fede Valverde faced criticism for their performances and perceived lack of leadership, questioning their long-term roles. Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces the challenge of integrating a promising generation of young talents, including Endrick Felipe, Guler, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras. The limited number of players participating in the World Cup offers a chance for a fresher start compared to rivals. The key to future success lies in strengthening the midfield, fostering a cohesive environment for Mbappe and Vinicius, and potentially, a new managerial approach. If Jose Mourinho, with his charisma and tactical prowess, takes the helm, he would need to adapt his strategy to overcome defensive challenges and unite the squad. Ultimately, the club's resurgence hinges on its ability to break old habits and for all stakeholders—management, coaching staff, and players—to commit to a unified vision.
