A Confident Win, But Alonso Wants More
Real Madrid extended their perfect start to the 2025-26 La Liga season with a
2-0 victory over RCD Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, but head coach Xabi Alonso wasn’t entirely satisfied. Despite the win, Alonso told Real Madrid TV,
“Maybe we lacked a bit of brilliance in the final third… But the team was serious, without having any problems. It is an important victory to continue growing.”
The result sent Los Blancos five points clear at the top of the table, at least temporarily, and marked their fifth consecutive win in all competitions this season. Yet, Alonso’s post-match comments made it clear: Real Madrid’s ambitions go beyond just racking up wins—they’re chasing excellence.
Tactical Shake-Up Surprises Espanyol
Alonso surprised fans and pundits by switching to a
4-4-2/4-2-4 formation, handing Gonzalo Garcia his first start of the season. The tactical tweak aimed to create more presence in the box and diversify attacking movements.
“Being able to generate chances, have a presence in the box, combine different movements: from width to mobility,” Alonso explained, highlighting the solid performances of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde in midfield control.
Espanyol, managed by Manolo Gonzalez, came into the match unbeaten and sitting third in the table, just two points behind Real Madrid. But the visitors struggled to break down Madrid’s disciplined defense and rarely threatened goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Mbappé and Militao Shine
Eder Militao opened the scoring with a well-taken goal, capitalizing on a rare moment of space in Espanyol’s low block.
Kylian Mbappé doubled the lead, finishing off a swift counterattack orchestrated by Vinícius Jr.—a move Alonso praised for its speed and decision-making. Mbappé’s goal marked his sixth in five games, continuing his electric start to life in Madrid.
Bellingham and Camavinga Return
The match also saw the long-awaited return of
Jude Bellingham and
Eduardo Camavinga from injury. Both came on late, but their presence was a major boost for the squad’s depth. Bellingham took to Instagram after the match, writing,
“Missed this and all of you so much… Truly humbled by the love you gave me in the stadium today and the support from everyone throughout my recovery, it means the world to me. Now for more. Hala Madrid!”
With Bellingham back, Alonso faces a welcome selection headache in midfield, especially with Arda Guler also vying for minutes.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
- Real Madrid remain
top of La Liga with 15 points from five matches.
- Espanyol, despite the loss, still sit in the top three and remain unbeaten against all other opponents.
- Alonso’s tactical flexibility and squad depth will be tested as the calendar intensifies, with Champions League fixtures looming.
Key Takeaways
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Real Madrid’s tactical switch paid off, but Alonso is demanding more attacking flair.
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Mbappé and Militao continue to deliver crucial goals.
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Bellingham and Camavinga’s return adds depth and options for upcoming matches.
- Espanyol’s solid start was halted, but they remain a team to watch in the top tier.
Sources
1. “We lacked” – Xabi Alonso demands more of Real Madrid despite 100% start to 2025-26 season
2. Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol: Goals and highlights - LaLiga EA Sports 25/26
3. “Missed this” – Real Madrid star reacts after making his return from injury vs Espanyol
4. Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol player ratings: Eder Militao steps up as Kylian Mbappe stars again
5. Three questions and three answers from Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol
