Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has found himself at the center of heated debate and sharp criticism following his side’s heavy defeat against city rivals Atlético Madrid on Saturday evening.
The highly anticipated Madrid Derby, which drew attention from fans across the world, was staged at the Estadio Metropolitano, with Atlético taking on La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
Supporters expected a fierce, competitive clash between the two giants, but what unfolded instead left Madridistas disappointed and frustrated.
From the outset, Diego Simeone’s men looked determined, pressing aggressively and making life uncomfortable for the visitors. Real Madrid managed to get on the scoresheet and showed signs of fight, but Atlético’s sharpness and physical intensity gave them the upper hand. By halftime, Atlético had edged ahead 2-1, and what followed was nothing short of a collapse from the league leaders.
In the second half, Real Madrid fell apart both defensively and offensively, conceding goals at crucial moments. The contest eventually ended in a 5-2 defeat, a humbling loss for Los Blancos, who had entered the match as favorites to extend their lead at the top of the table.
As expected, fans and pundits alike were quick to analyze what went wrong. Many fingers were pointed at some of Real’s most high-profile names. Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Álvaro Carreras were all highlighted for underwhelming displays, with supporters voicing their disappointment online. But while criticism of individual players came thick and fast, one figure, in particular, bore the brunt of the backlash: head coach Xabi Alonso.
Alonso’s tactical approach was called into question, but the most controversial talking point revolved around a single decision he made in the second half. The Spaniard opted to substitute Arda Güler, who up to that point had arguably been Real Madrid’s most influential player on the pitch. The young Turkish star had already registered both a goal and an assist, proving himself to be the spark in Madrid’s attack.
Fans were left baffled as to why Alonso would remove Güler at such a critical stage of the match. His substitution effectively cut off Madrid’s main creative outlet, leaving the team disjointed and toothless in attack. Many supporters believe that this decision shifted the momentum firmly in Atlético’s favor and played a major role in Madrid’s eventual collapse.
In the aftermath of the defeat, social media platforms were flooded with posts criticizing Alonso’s judgment. While some defended him by pointing out fitness concerns or tactical reshuffling, the majority labeled the substitution a “huge mistake” that cost Real Madrid dearly in a crucial derby clash.
For Alonso, this loss serves as a stern reminder of the intense scrutiny that comes with managing one of the world’s biggest clubs.
https://x.com/WolfRMFC/status/1971972853747925193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1971972853747925193%7Ctwgr%5Ec8049d3f9b61ea5d7303cd1271b447b2c561e121%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgetfootballnewsspain.com%2Fxabi-alonso-accused-of-making-a-huge-mistake-in-real-madrids-defeat-to-atletico%2F
