The first game is a mixed blessing: Alonso and Real Madrid run-in period, three major problems are on the rise

In the first round of La Liga in 2025/26, Real Madrid only beat Osasuna 1-0 at home. Although it started well, from the perspective of the game process, coach Xavi Alonso obviously still faces many problems that need to be solved. This victory is more like the prelude to the challenge facing the new coach.

Difficulty 1: How to solve the intensive defense at low positions?

"Osasuna played their due level, especially on the defensive end. We spent most of our time in the opponent's half, but it was difficult to break through their defense. We didn't have much time to perfect this. We are learning because there will definitely be more games like this in the future, and we must continue to improve." After the game, Alonso summarized this.

Alonso clearly realized that the team will frequently face the opponent's intensive defensive formations in the future to curb Real Madrid's offense. The Spanish coach admitted that the team is still learning how to deal with it, and some adjustments in the game have revealed positive signals, especially the substitution strategy.

Alonso's substitution is quite meaningful: he sent young players who have not yet been fully tested, and at the end of the game, Mbappe, Mastantuno and Gonzalo Garcia form a forward trident. Letting these energetic young players make their debut when Osasuna is physically declining is giving them the opportunity to prove their worth.

By increasing speed and physical strength, combining vertical advancement, coupled with Mastantuno's set-piece ability and Garcia's header threat, Real Madrid may find a new key to tear through intensive defense in the future. This is not only a tactical adjustment, but also a trust and exploration of the potential of young players.

Difficulty 2: Who is the real leader of the team?

With Modric leaving the team, captain Carvajal did not enter the starting lineup, while Rudiger is still in the suspension period, and Real Madrid's defense is no longer the figure of a veteran in the past. Although Federico Valverde has become the most conspicuous leader as the captain on the court and goalkeeper Courtois is still the core of the defense line, there is still a leader vacancy in the overall team, and a new core is urgently needed to stand up.

Among them, Chu Ameni may have begun to take on this role. During the halftime break, Alonso took the time to communicate with Chu Améni alone, which shows how important he attaches importance to the French international. Chu Ameni, who served as a midfielder in this game and controlled the rhythm, returned to his most familiar position and performed more freely. He is expected to become the new leader of the midfielder in the Alonso era, lead the team to control the rhythm of the game, and become the stabilizer of the midfielder.

Difficulty III: How to better stimulate Vinicius' potential?

Vinitius's form has been a hidden concern for Real Madrid in recent years, and his performance on Wednesday night does not seem to bring much new ideas. Throughout the game, the Brazilian star spent most of his time trying to break through, but was repeatedly in trouble: he frequently rushed into dead ends, fell to the ground to complain, and even complained to referee Adrian Cordero many times.

His only shot in the game was far out of the way, and his handling of the ball at other moments almost gave Osasuna a dangerous counterattack opportunity. However, judging from the data, Vinicius' performance is still very good.

The Brazilian star created two scoring opportunities in this game, and his defensive contributions have improved significantly compared to last season. He actively pressed forward and even put pressure on Osasuna defender and even goalkeeper Sergio Herrera many times, showing a different tactical attitude from last season. When he was replaced, he had completed three steals, the most for the game.

Although he still struggles on the offensive end, Vinicius's enthusiasm on the defensive end may be the change Alonso hopes to see. How to transform this comprehensiveness into more efficient offensive output will be the next issue that Alonso needs to solve, and it is also the key to whether Vinicius can go to the next level.