“What we Learned”:key takeaways or narrative shifts following each match. Quick-hitting format: 3-4 clear lessons or learnings, with short intros and focused analysis. Balance between tactical depth and digestibility.
There’s A Long Way to Go...
Spanish radio said it best this week, all of the “green shoots” (positive sensations), went up in smoke following the PSG match. Most rational Madrid fans would’ve accepted defeat if the team had actually competed. But there was nothing positive to cling to. It was the same version of Madrid we’ve seen too often this season in big games: more likely to concede 2–3 more goals than claw their way back.
We all knew Xabi Alonso had his work cut out for him. But this week was a reminder that the road back to prosperity will be long. Alonso will need time. He’ll also need to make big calls—personnel decisions Carlo wasn’t willing to make, and decisions Xabi wasn’t willing to make on Wednesday, that now must be made
There’s no point beating around the bush. The players who do what the team needs—and what the coach instructs—should play, regardless of name. Real Madrid are at their best with a chip on their shoulder, labeled as underdogs. No one gave the three-peat team credit, and that’s what spurred them on. How many more humblings does this team need before they buy in?
Vinicius - Mbappe
I stand by what I said at the start of last season: elite teams can get away with one player that doesn’t defend, but not two.
I stand by what I said following the Arsenal match: if both Vini and Mbappe are in the starting XI, Real Madrid won’t win another Champions League title.
Madrid has never been a team to follow tactical trends, but the truth in 2025 is this: the teams that are winning—Spain, PSG—aren’t overly reliant on one player. And to deviate from that trend, you need someone performing at a near-Cristiano or Messi level. Neither Mbappe nor Vinicius are performing at that standard.
The harsh reality is that Mbappe isn’t good at defending. He’s never been good at defending and it’s unlikely he gets anywhere near Dembele like pressing numbers ever. So do you adapt to that player, bank on his goal output, and build a defensive structure that masks his poor output? Or do you sacrifice him from the team?
Vinicius has shown he can defend and press. But the version of Vini who lit up Europe from 2021 through early 2024 has disappeared. Offensively and defensively, he’s been a shadow of himself for nearly nine months. How long of a leash does an underperforming superstar get?
An Unbalanced Squad, Too Many Egos
The team is dramatically unbalanced, and the coexistence of Vini and Mbappe is part of the problem. They don’t complement each other. They don’t make each other better. They make each other worse.
Supporters were right to have concerns when Mbappe signed—especially after Vinicius had just exploded into a top-3 forward in the world. There aren’t enough role players in this squad. And there are too many egos.
Xabi Alonso has a job no coach envies: convincing superstars to defend, sacrifice, and adapt to a collective idea. And right now, that buy-in isn’t there. Again, big personnel decisions are required to get the best out of this team.