Xabi Alonso’s homecoming to Anfield comes at a defining moment in his young managerial career. The Real Madrid coach, who once orchestrated Liverpool’s midfield with calm brilliance, now returns to face his former club in the Champions League after an almost flawless start in Spain. His Madrid side looks sharp, intense, and confident, everything that suggests the 15-time European champions have rediscovered their edge under his guidance.
While Liverpool enters the clash struggling with just two wins in their last eight matches, Alonso’s Madrid arrives in top form. They recently triumphed over Barcelona in the Clásico, extending their impressive run and showing a clear transformation from last season’s inconsistencies. Their only setback so far remains a 5-2 derby loss to Atletico Madrid, a result that appears to have fueled their rapid improvement ever since.
How Has Alonso Changed Real Madrid’s Game?
Alonso’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu came after he delayed his much-anticipated move from Bayer Leverkusen. Many Liverpool fans had hoped he would return to Merseyside as manager after Jurgen Klopp’s departure announcement, but the Spaniard instead took charge of a Madrid side in need of rejuvenation. His influence has been immediate. Madrid has won 13 of their 14 matches this season, playing with a sense of cohesion that was missing in Carlo Ancelotti’s final months.
Ancelotti struggled to make his world-class attack press effectively, but Alonso has transformed the team’s work rate and structure. His emphasis on defensive discipline and high pressing has made Madrid one of the toughest teams in Europe to break down. “To win trophies you have to defend well, obtaining many clean sheets,” Alonso said after Madrid’s 4-0 win over Valencia, marking their seventh clean sheet of the season.
Spanish sports daily Marca noted that Madrid has “forged a new identity” and now “dominate, suffocate and subdue their opponents.” That high-energy style contrasts sharply with the slower, more cautious play that defined Ancelotti’s final campaign. Madrid also leads Europe in ball recoveries in the final third, proof of Alonso’s tactical clarity and the players’ commitment to his pressing game.
The Basque tactician’s flexibility has also been key. He frequently adjusts his formations during matches and tailors his approach to each opponent, something Madrid lacked before. Ahead of the Liverpool match, Alonso even opted not to hold a training session at Anfield to avoid media scrutiny. “It’s my decision (not to train at Anfield), we prefer to do it at home, in our space, so they don’t put 200 cameras on us,” he explained.
Which Players Are Thriving Under Alonso?
Several stars have flourished under Alonso’s leadership. Kylian Mbappe, back in top form, has already scored 18 goals across all competitions and now contributes defensively through pressing, an element long absent from his game. His confidence and energy have lifted Madrid’s attack to new levels.
Jude Bellingham has also become indispensable. The English midfielder has scored crucial goals against Barcelona, Juventus, and Valencia in recent weeks. After recovering from summer shoulder surgery, Alonso managed his return carefully, recognizing early that he had rushed Bellingham back too soon in the derby defeat to Atletico. Since regaining full fitness, the 21-year-old has been a driving force in Madrid’s midfield, linking play and adding a dynamic scoring presence.
Alonso is also developing young talents like Turkish playmaker Arda Guler, who is being molded into a creative midfielder capable of filling the void left by club legends Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The evolution of these younger players reflects Alonso’s long-term vision: building a balanced, modern Madrid side that can dominate for years to come.
Even when managing moments of tension, such as Vinicius Junior’s public frustration after being substituted during the Clásico, Alonso’s composure stands out. The winger later apologized to fans and the club, and the issue was swiftly resolved. Alonso’s calm handling of high-pressure personalities shows his maturity as a coach.
Now, as he prepares to return to Anfield, the stadium where his playing career blossomed Alonso’s focus is on proving that his Madrid are ready to challenge for every major title. His new-look team blends star power with structure, intensity with intelligence. For both Madrid and Liverpool fans, the reunion at Anfield is more than just another Champions League night; it marks the return of one of football’s most cerebral figures, now shaping a new era at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
By Yockshard Enyendi
