Real Madrid head into the November international break off the back of back-to-back blunders, leaving Xabi Alonso with various issues he must analyze and fix before domestic action resumes.
The 15-time Champions League winners enjoyed a perfect start to 2025–26 under their new boss, collecting seven consecutive wins across all competitions. Even a lopsided Madrid derby defeat did little to halt the progress of Real, who then went on to string six more victories in a row.
Yet a 1–0 defeat at Anfield and a goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano in consecutive games ahead of the final international window of the year has alarm bells sounding throughout the Spanish capital. Several shortcomings are starting to become glaringly problematic, especially if Los Blancos want to snatch back their La Liga and continental crowns.
Three issues in particular need addressing—and they are ones Alonso must find solutions for if he’s to achieve his goals.
