Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Girona on Sunday, but escaped further punishment after a loose pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold almost led to a disastrous goal.
Alexander-Arnold has yet to make himself a permanent fixture of the Madrid team since joining the La Liga giants in the summer, and has featured in just seven of 14 league games this season. Alexander-Arnold did miss four league games with a hamstring injury, but has also been an unused substitute on three occasions.
Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso noted that Alexander-Arnold had an encouraging international break behind the scenes, after missing out on the England national team squad. However, he avoided embarrassment with a questionable pass against Girona, before Madrid settled for a frustrating 1-1 draw.
A Kylian Mbappe penalty in the second half salvaged a point for Madrid, after Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi put the hosts ahead just before halftime. Madrid's failure to win meant that Barcelona stayed top of La Liga, after a 3-1 win over Alaves on Saturday.
Things could have been worse for Madrid, as Alexander-Arnold attempted a bizarre pass in the 28th minute from deep inside his own half. Alexander-Arnold tried to switch the ball to Antonio Rudiger, but misjudged the pass and played it directly to Giona forward Vladyslav Vanat.
Vanat had a clear sight of Madrid's goal, but overcomplicated the attack, perhaps shocked that the ball landed at his feet. It was a lucky escape for Madrid, and a major sigh of relief for Alexander-Arnold.
Though Alexander-Arnold is a defender, his talents are better suited further forward, and his passing abilities make him a unique asset at right-back. Alexander-Arnold had 92 assists in 354 games for Liverpool before joining Madrid this summer.
Alexander-Arnold has yet to produce an attacking return for Madrid, sparking concerns among the fan base. However, Alonso was optimistic after working closely with the defender during the international break, while most Madrid players departed to represent their national teams.
"In this (international) break, we've worked with Trent, collectively and individually, after the injuries he had," Alonso said. "Trent being in better form gives us more options in that position, and we have other players too."
Xabi Alonso has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold since he arrived in the summer
Xabi Alonso has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold since he arrived in the summer (Image: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Alonso also showed his faith in Alexander-Arnold ahead of Sunday's game, explaining how crucial he is for Madrid. Alonso also left Liverpool to join Madrid during his playing career, and claimed that the defender needs time to adapt.
"Trent is a top player, and we need him," Alonso said. "It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."
Madrid has won 10 of 14 La Liga games this season, and trails Barcelona by a single point in the standings. In the Champions League, Madrid has won three of four games this season, with their only European defeat coming against Liverpool.
Liverpool beat Madrid 1-0 at Anfield as Alexis Mac Allister's second-half strike was the decisive moment in the game. Liverpool has struggled this season but is attempting to turn things around and remain in contention for both the Premier League and the Champions League.