Xabi Alonso may have just bought himself a few more days as Real Madrid鈥檚 manager with a 2-1 win at Alaves on Sunday, even if the stylistic clashes that have loomed large over his employment status were still very much on display.
The match felt like a push-and-pull between Alonso鈥檚 envisioned team dynamics and those preferred by management, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo starting together for the first time this season.
- The game kicked off with Alonso鈥檚 version as Jude Bellingham and Mbappe linked up for the opening goal in the 24th minute: What a finish from the edge of the box by Mbappe 馃敟 pic
The second goal came just eight minutes after Alaves equalized. A scramble for the ball saw Vinicius beat Jonny Otto, sprint into the box, and perfectly assist Rodrygo, who scored.
- Vini Jr. to Rodrygo for a much needed goal 馃 pic
Despite the win, deeper analysis shows limited improvement in Real Madrid鈥檚 performance metrics, indicating that while the star-focused approach may have bought Alonso time, it might not be sustainable.
Alonso鈥檚 Quotes: _“Being Madrid manager is not about changing [the culture]; it is about adapting.**
