Xabi Alonso Faces Pressure Ahead of First Clásico as Real Madrid Coach

Madrid, Spain — Xabi Alonso stands at a critical juncture in his coaching career as he prepares for his first Clásico against FC Barcelona on October 26, 2025. After suffering heavy defeats in his previous matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid, Alonso must prove his capability to lead Madrid effectively.

The 43-year-old, who has not defeated Barcelona in his playing days, knows that another loss could jeopardize his long-term plan with the team. Despite having signed a three-year contract, doubt could quickly escalate if results do not improve.

Alonso encountered criticism for his recent game strategy against Atlético, where his choice to start Jude Bellingham was questioned. This time, however, he faces a different dilemma. The English midfielder found form by scoring against Juventus, alleviating some concerns about his role. The challenge is now how to balance his midfield while ensuring an effective attack.

One potential solution is to introduce Eduardo Camavinga into the midfield. Alonso previously experimented with Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni in a successful outing against Getafe. The question remains whether to bolster the midfield with Camavinga alongside Tchouameni and Bellingham or to maintain a robust attacking front with players like Vinicius, Kylian Mbappé, and Franco Mastantuono.

Mastantuono has become a favorite of Alonso, who appreciates the young player’s energy but hasn’t yet delivered consistent results. His playing time has raised eyebrows among some teammates, especially when others like Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo have performed better this season.

Alonso’s coaching style has thus far been cautious, focusing on defense to minimize opponent scoring chances. He acknowledges that if his team prevents goals, they generally have a solid chance of winning. However, facing an offensive side like Barcelona requires an adaptive strategy to neutralize key players like Pedri and Frenkie de Jong while finding opportunities to attack.

As the teams prepare for this key match, the stakes are high. A victory for Alonso could solidify his position as Madrid’s coach and quell any emerging doubts about his leadership. Conversely, a defeat could lead to serious questions about his ability to lead the club.