Home SPORTS Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid Faces Tough Test Against Atletico Madrid

Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid Faces Tough Test Against Atletico Madrid

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Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso warns against Complacency



Real Madrid's perfect start to the season under Xabi Alonso is no guarantee of success against Atletico Madrid in the highly anticipated Madrid derby.


“You can't think that just by stepping onto the pitch you'll win because of the badge you wear or the squad we have...”


Real Madrid have kicked off the season on a high note under Xabi Alonso, boasting a flawless record with six wins from six league matches. They've conceded just three goals and currently sit atop LaLiga, holding a two-point lead over champions Barcelona. Alonso's side is looking formidable, but the coach is cautioning his team against complacency ahead of their highly anticipated Madrid derby against Atletico.


“We've only played six games and got full points, but some games were a real struggle, so we can't get overconfident,” Alonso emphasized. He stressed that winning at the Metropolitano won't be easy and that his team needs to be switched on and ready to put in a solid performance. Despite Real's impressive start, Alonso acknowledged that Atletico, under Diego Simeone's 14-year tenure, poses a significant threat.


The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is palpable, with both teams expecting a tough and intense match. “It's definitely different going to the Metropolitano with any other club than with Real Madrid,” Alonso said, highlighting the unique dynamics of this derby. He expressed his enthusiasm for the match, looking forward to the electric atmosphere and the challenge of facing Atletico's revamped squad.


Atletico Madrid, currently ninth in the league standings, secured their second win of the season on Wednesday, thanks to Julian Alvarez's hat-trick. Despite their struggles, Alonso believes Atletico will be a formidable opponent, having made smart changes this season. “They're evolving, and they'll be in the running for everything this season,” he noted.


“We've only played six and got full points, but some games were a real struggle so we can't get overconfident,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday's game.


“You can't think that just by stepping onto the pitch you'll win because of the badge you wear or the squad we have. I believe the more we educate ourselves to come out switched on for any match at any ground, the more games we'll win.


“And if we win a lot of games, if we have that natural activation, we can pick up a lot of points. But we mustn't relax because a lapse can cost you.”


Xabi Alonso's experience managing against Atletico Madrid is limited to his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he drew 2-2 in Madrid in 2022 and lost 2-1 away last season. However, leading Real Madrid into this derby changes the dynamics significantly. With Real's impressive start to the season, boasting six consecutive wins, Alonso's team is riding high, but he'll need to devise a solid strategy to overcome Atletico's disciplined defense.


“It's definitely different going to the Metropolitano with any other club than with Real Madrid,” Alonso said.


“Because of the healthy rivalry and I think that's something beautiful, something that's been enjoyed for many years, and hopefully we can keep enjoying it tomorrow as well.”


Real Madrid is flying high under Xabi Alonso, with six consecutive wins in the league, while Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, is struggling with only two wins in six games. This puts Atletico nine points behind Real Madrid in the standings. However, Alonso believes the current standings don't accurately reflect the teams' true potential at this early stage of the season.


“The standings don't say much right now,” Alonso said, highlighting the importance of focusing on individual performance rather than the standings. This mindset is crucial, especially considering Real Madrid's recent history against Atletico in the league, where they've failed to secure a win over the past two seasons.



Points to Consider:

Current Standings: Real Madrid leads the league with 15 points from 5 matches, while Atletico Madrid has 6 points from 6 matches.

Recent Performance: Real Madrid 
has won all six league games, while Atletico has won two, drawn one, and lost three.

Head-to-Head Record: Real Madrid hasn't beaten Atletico in the league over the last two seasons.

Alonso's Focus: Emphasizing the need to focus on individual performance rather than the current standings.


As the two teams face off in the highly anticipated Madrid derby, Alonso is cautioning his players against complacency. “Every game is very difficult to win... we cannot be overconfident,” he emphasized, acknowledging the potent atmosphere at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium.


“The standings don't say much right now,” Alonso said.


“Sure, we could extend the lead, but the match is going to be tough, it's going to be tight. Winning at the Metropolitano isn't easy, we're going to have to work for it.”


Diego Simeone has been at the helm of Atletico Madrid for 14 years, but Xabi Alonso, who took over Real Madrid in June, isn't getting caught up in long-term narratives. Instead, Alonso is focused on the present, emphasizing the importance of his team's current performance and mindset as they prepare to face Atletico.



Alonso's Focus:

Current Performance: Alonso is prioritizing his team's current form and performance, recognizing that the standings don't tell the whole story at this early stage of the season.

Madrid Derby Dynamics:  Alonso understands the unique challenges of the Madrid derby, where the atmosphere and intensity can greatly impact the outcome.

Tactical Preparation: He's preparing his team to face Atletico's disciplined defense and physical style, which has often proved troublesome for opponents.


“What Simeone has done over these 14 years at Atletico is very important, not just what he's achieved,” Alonso said.


“I'm just starting out, so I like to take things step by step. I don't set such long-term goals.”


“The beginning has been good, and there's a long road ahead, so we will see.”





Key Challenges for Alonso:

Atletico's Defensive Setup: Atletico Madrid is known for its disciplined defensive setup under coach Diego Simeone, often employing a physical style that can unsettle even the most skillful opponents.

Wanda Metropolitano Stadium: The stadium's electric atmosphere and Atletico's home advantage could pose significant challenges for Real Madrid.

Tactical Battle: Alonso will need to draw on his experience and incorporate strategies that exploit Atletico's weaknesses, potentially utilizing quick transitions and exploiting space left by aggressive defending.





Alonso's Confidence and Approach:

Emphasis on Teamwork: Alonso highlighted the importance of teamwork, stating that he counts on all his players to be 100% ready for the match.

Jude Bellingham's Availability: Alonso confirmed that Bellingham, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, is available to start against Atletico Madrid.

Adapting to the Derby Atmosphere: Alonso acknowledged the unique energy of the Madrid derby, expecting a powerful atmosphere that could motivate his team to perform with energy and concentration.








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