**“**_**What we Learned”**_ _A new post-game piece from Managing Madrid with key takeaways or narrative shifts following each match. It will be a quick-hitting format: 3-4 clear lessons or learnings, with short intros and focused analysis. Balance between tactical depth and digestibility._
### **Look No Further, Gonzalo Garcia Is Your Joselu**
Gonzalo Garcia’s goal-scoring figures for Castilla last season were historic. Following big-name departures like Sergio Arribas and Nico Paz in recent years, Gonzalo stepped up and became the team’s leader. In his limited first-team appearances under Ancelotti, he impressed. His game-winning goal against Leganes in the Copa del Rey and his back-post header to assist against Sevilla both stand out.
His goal against Al-Hilal showcased some of his best qualities: he started the move by retaining possession with a defender on his back, carried the ball forward, picked out the right pass, and then busted a lung to support the counterattack and provide another body in the box. His finish was fortunate, but it’s the kind of goal adept strikers find—regardless of how clean the shot is. His hold-up play, defensive work rate, off-ball movement, and aerial ability—particularly his knack for attacking crosses—are all traits worth keeping in the squad. It’s a small sample size, but he may be worth betting on as the “new Joselu” target striker.
### **Arda Guler: The Connective Tissue**
It was glaringly obvious in the first half: the team lacked a midfielder who could provide the equilibrium and control Xabi Alonso craves. There was no one to link the team together, until Arda was introduced. The Turk immediately made an impact. The flow of Madrid’s possession improved, and the overall composure returned. Arda was never in a rush. He knew when to slow the game down and find the right pass. He knew when to hit a dagger vertical ball or when to switch play.
You can get away with a midfield of Valverde, Bellingham, and Arda. Counterintuitive as it may seem, sometimes loading the team with offensive talent and better ball retention becomes the best form of defense. With the current profiles in the squad, Fede Valverde’s best position may ultimately be as a #6. You may lose some of his surging runs, but his recovery speed and ground coverage in the pivot may better suit the squad’s needs. He lacks the creative passing to dictate rhythm as a true #8. And while their characteristics differ, Bellingham isn’t a controller either. Arda’s profile, or a player like him, is desperately needed.
### **Raul Asencio: Reckless and Rash Moments Becoming a Concern**
I love what Raul Asencio has brought to the team, but there’s no denying that his aggressive nature can lead to rash decisions. He won over Madridistas with his composed, confident, and laser-focused performances. But toward the end of last season, fatigue crept in and the mistakes began piling up. His tenacity means he never backs down from a challenge, but that same edge has tipped over into recklessness more than once.
As a viewer, you find yourself on the edge of your seat—and not always in a good way. His needless slide tackle in the final minutes of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona came flashing back as he dragged down Marcos Leonardo of Al-Hilal. It was unnecessary and avoidable. Dialing back the ego in his decision-making will be critical to his long-term future at [Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com). Too many mistakes like that, and he’ll quickly fall out of favor, especially with greater competition at center back this season.
### **Early Tactical Changes Under Xabi Alonso**
Xabi Alonso wants his wingers hugging the touchline when Madrid are in possession. His approach is all about stretching the field as wide as possible. Maintaining structured attacking positions and creating simple forward passing lanes will be a key shift from Ancelotti’s system.
On the night, both Vinicius and Rodrygo were inefficient on the ball—particularly Vini, who gave it away 11 times (a team-high) despite having the second-fewest touches. Both will be expected to improve, but the non-negotiable under Xabi is clear: maintain width in possession.
We also saw early glimpses of Alonso’s pressing structure. On every opposition goal kick, the team pushed high up the pitch, prepared to press. Instead of Vini and Gonzalo pressing as a front two, Alonso had Bellingham join Gonzalo centrally while Vini and Rodrygo stayed wide, forming a front four out of possession.
Real Madrid have historically struggled to press cohesively. There have been moments—under Zidane, Mourinho, and occasionally Ancelotti—where the team pressed well, but rarely for 90 minutes, and never consistently over a full season. It will be fascinating to see how often Alonso leans on the high press, and whether he can get the team to execute it effectively.