How Will Real Madrid Adapt in 2025/26 Without Xabi Alonso? Exploring the Impact of His Departure

The Aftermath: Real Madrid Without Xabi Alonso in 2025/26

The departure of Xabi Alonso, a midfield maestro of unparalleled vision and tactical acumen, sent ripples through Real Madrid. While Alonso’s playing days ended long ago, his influence as a manager – and the potential he represented to one day lead Real Madrid – cast a long shadow. His unexpected move, detailed in earlier reports here, forced Real Madrid, under the continued guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, to reassess their long-term strategy and immediate tactical approach for the 2025/26 season.

The Tactical Void in Midfield

Alonso’s potential return to Real Madrid, not as a player but as a manager, was always viewed as a strategic advantage. His deep understanding of the club’s ethos, coupled with his modern tactical philosophies honed during his successful managerial spells, made him a natural successor to Ancelotti. Without this anticipated evolution, Real Madrid faced a crucial juncture: maintaining their current system or initiating a significant tactical overhaul. The midfield, traditionally the engine room of any Ancelotti team, felt the void most acutely. The anticipated shift towards a more possession-based, strategically nuanced approach, potentially mirroring Alonso’s managerial style, never materialized. Instead, Ancelotti relied on the established guard, tweaking the existing system rather than implementing wholesale changes.

The impact was multifaceted. Real Madrid’s build-up play, while still effective, lacked the incisive passing and positional fluidity that Alonso’s theoretical system promised. The reliance on individual brilliance and quick transitions, hallmarks of Ancelotti’s pragmatic approach, remained prevalent. This approach, while delivering results, sometimes lacked the control and dominance expected of a team of Real Madrid’s stature. The absence of a ‘controller’ in the midfield, a role Alonso would have undoubtedly emphasized, became increasingly apparent in high-pressure matches, particularly in the Champions League knockout stages.

Transfer Strategy and the Search for a Midfield Solution

The summer transfer window of 2025 became a critical period. Real Madrid’s activity in the market reflected their need to address the tactical gap left by Alonso’s continued absence. While the club didn’t explicitly target a ‘like-for-like’ replacement – an impossible task given Alonso’s unique skillset – they focused on acquiring players who could enhance their midfield options and provide tactical flexibility. The signing of [Hypothetical Midfielder Name – e.g., Fabio Miretti], a young, dynamic midfielder from [Hypothetical Club Name – e.g., Juventus], suggested a move towards a more progressive midfield. However, the player’s integration into the team was gradual, and his impact on the overall tactical structure was limited in his first season.

Furthermore, the club’s decision to retain [Hypothetical Veteran Midfielder Name – e.g., Toni Kroos] for another season proved to be a double-edged sword. While his experience and passing range remained invaluable, his presence also reinforced the reliance on the existing system, hindering the potential for a more radical tactical shift. The balance between experience and innovation became a recurring theme throughout the season, with Ancelotti often opting for the tried-and-tested approach over experimentation.

Performance Analysis: La Liga and Champions League

Real Madrid’s performance in the 2025/26 season can be viewed through two lenses: domestic dominance and European aspirations. In La Liga, they maintained their competitive edge, consistently challenging for the title. However, their performances against direct rivals, such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, revealed certain vulnerabilities. The midfield, lacking a clear tactical identity, sometimes struggled to control the tempo of these crucial matches, leading to periods of sustained pressure and defensive instability. You can view team statistics and historical data on sites like WhoScored and FootballCritic to understand their performance metrics.

In the Champions League, the absence of Alonso’s tactical vision was even more pronounced. While Real Madrid navigated the group stages relatively comfortably, they faced stiffer competition in the knockout rounds. Their tactical rigidity, compared to the more adaptable and innovative approaches of teams like [Hypothetical Champions League Contender – e.g., Bayern Munich] and [Hypothetical Champions League Contender – e.g., Manchester City], ultimately proved to be their undoing. The lack of a proactive, tactically astute manager on the sidelines, someone capable of making in-game adjustments and exploiting opponent weaknesses, was keenly felt.

Individual Player Impact

Several players were significantly impacted by the changed tactical landscape. [Hypothetical Midfielder Name – e.g., Eduardo Camavinga], initially touted as a potential successor to Alonso in a deeper midfield role, found himself deployed in various positions, showcasing his versatility but hindering his development in a specific tactical niche. His energy and tackling ability were undeniable, but his tactical awareness and positional discipline still needed refinement. Similarly, the attacking players, such as [Hypothetical Forward Name – e.g., Vinicius Junior], often found themselves isolated, lacking the consistent midfield support and creative service that a more structured attacking system would provide.

The goalkeeping situation, despite [Hypothetical Goalkeeper Name – e.g., Thibaut Courtois]’s continued excellence, also highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities. While he consistently produced world-class saves, the frequency of shots faced indicated a lack of midfield protection and defensive organization. The team’s reliance on individual brilliance, both in attack and defense, masked underlying tactical deficiencies that could have been addressed with a more cohesive and strategically sound approach.

Ancelotti’s Adaptability and the Future

Carlo Ancelotti’s management style is renowned for its pragmatism and adaptability. He successfully navigated the 2025/26 season, leveraging the strengths of his existing squad and making subtle tactical adjustments to compensate for the absence of a clear tactical successor to Alonso. However, the season also exposed the limitations of a purely reactive approach. As the game evolves, and tactical innovation becomes increasingly crucial, Real Madrid needs to proactively address the tactical void and develop a long-term strategy that aligns with the club’s ambitions. News and updates on the team’s strategies can often be found on Marca’s Real Madrid section.

The upcoming seasons will be pivotal in determining whether Real Madrid can successfully bridge the tactical gap and maintain their position as a dominant force in European football. The appointment of a new manager, the acquisition of strategically targeted players, and the development of a clear tactical identity will be crucial factors in shaping the club’s future success. The legacy of Xabi Alonso, though unrealized in a managerial capacity, serves as a constant reminder of the importance of tactical vision and strategic planning in the modern game.

FAQ: The Xabi Alonso Effect on Real Madrid

How significant was Xabi Alonso’s absence from Real Madrid in the 2025/26 season?

While Xabi Alonso wasn’t physically present at Real Madrid, his anticipated future role as manager cast a long shadow. His absence meant the club couldn’t implement a planned tactical evolution towards a more possession-based, strategically nuanced approach, leaving a noticeable void in the team’s midfield dynamics.

What specific tactical areas were most affected by Alonso’s absence?

The midfield suffered the most. Real Madrid’s build-up play lacked incisiveness, and the team often relied on individual brilliance rather than a cohesive tactical structure. The absence of a midfield “controller” was particularly evident in high-pressure matches.

How did Real Madrid attempt to address the tactical void in the transfer market?

Real Madrid attempted to enhance their midfield options and provide tactical flexibility by signing young, dynamic midfielders. However, integrating these new players and shifting the overall tactical structure proved to be a gradual process.

How did Real Madrid’s performance in La Liga and the Champions League reflect the impact of Alonso’s absence?

In La Liga, Real Madrid maintained their competitiveness but showed vulnerabilities against direct rivals. In the Champions League, their tactical rigidity compared to other top teams ultimately hindered their progress.

Which players were most impacted by the altered tactical landscape?

Players like Eduardo Camavinga, who was initially seen as a potential successor in a deeper midfield role, were deployed in various positions, hindering their development in a specific tactical niche. Attacking players also lacked consistent midfield support.

What does the future hold for Real Madrid in terms of addressing the tactical void?

The upcoming seasons will be crucial. Real Madrid needs to proactively develop a long-term strategy, potentially involving the appointment of a new manager, strategic player acquisitions, and the establishment of a clear tactical identity to maintain their position as a dominant force.