Sometimes, even the most meticulously crafted narratives of invincibility find themselves unceremoniously rewritten. For Real Madrid, a team that had seemingly perfected the art of winning under new manager Xabi Alonso, that moment arrived with a thunderous bang in their recent derby clash against rivals Atletico Madrid. The final scoreline, a stunning 5-2 in favor of Atleti, served not merely as a defeat but as a jarring, public reality check, ending Alonso`s pristine managerial record this season.
The Unraveling at the Metropolitano
The atmosphere at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano was electric, a cauldron of expectation that swiftly turned into a nightmare for the visitors. It took just 14 minutes for Atletico to breach Real Madrid`s defenses, a strike that would foreshadow a long and painful evening. From the outset, Atleti`s game plan was clear: a relentless display of physicality, aerial dominance, and pressing that Real Madrid simply struggled to counter.
Real Madrid`s defensive line, particularly some of its less experienced members, appeared overwhelmed. The absence of stalwart defender Antonio Rudiger, who has been instrumental in dealing with such physical threats in previous seasons, was keenly felt. Without his commanding presence, Los Blancos looked vulnerable, conceding goal after goal with an alarming lack of resistance. Atletico’s formidable attack capitalized repeatedly, with one of their key forwards netting a clinical brace, and even Antoine Griezmann breaking a significant La Liga scoreless streak against Real Madrid.
Moments of Brilliance Amidst Defensive Chaos
Despite the defensive calamity, Real Madrid`s attack wasn`t entirely silent. There were flashes of the individual brilliance fans have come to expect, including a skillful finish from a tight angle by one of their star forwards and a beautifully crafted team goal capped off by Arda Guler. Yet, these moments felt like mere consolation prizes when faced with the stark reality of conceding five goals. The statistics painted a grim picture: Real Madrid, despite dominating possession, allowed 13 shots and generated an xG (expected goals) of 2.31, indicating a defense under siege and an offense that, while capable, couldn`t compensate.
A Timely, Albeit Painful, Lesson
In hindsight, perhaps everything that went wrong was, paradoxically, a good thing. Under Alonso, Real Madrid had indeed looked formidable, often benefiting from favorable bounces and late game heroics, such as securing penalties while a man down in their Champions League victory against Olympique Marseille. While impressive, such reliance on fortune cannot sustain a season. This brutal derby loss forces a critical introspection, a necessary “rethink” of tactics and personnel.
The issue of physicality, especially against robust opponents, is now a glaring concern. Real Madrid will need to find solutions for these types of encounters, particularly with key defensive components either injured or out of favor. The upcoming Champions League fixture, against a comparatively less formidable opponent, offers an immediate opportunity for key players, including Jude Bellingham, to shake off any rust from his recent shoulder surgery and contribute to a much-needed morale boost and tactical reset.
The Road Ahead: Resilience and Reaffirmation
Bellingham`s return is poised to be a significant lift for Real Madrid`s attack and their high-press system. His energy and midfield dominance could alleviate some defensive pressure by ensuring the ball is retrieved higher up the pitch. However, should the press falter, the burden will once again fall on the center-backs to demonstrate their capacity to withstand physical onslaughts – a challenge they demonstrably failed in the derby.
The silver lining, if one can be found in a 5-2 drubbing, is the timing. This significant setback arrived early in the season, providing ample time for adjustments, tactical refinements, and a psychological recovery. With an attacking trident featuring the likes of Vinicius Junior, Bellingham, and other potent forwards, Real Madrid`s scoring ability is undeniable. The question now isn`t about their potential, but about their resilience. The script for a generational team might still be penned, but this chapter certainly came with an unexpected plot twist. How they bounce back from this first major defeat will be the true test of their championship credentials and a defining moment in Alonso`s nascent tenure.
Gareth Pendleton