Federico Valverde has revealed Real Madrid held a series of "rare" crisis talks after their 5-2 derby humiliation against Atletico Madrid. The midfielder slammed his teammates' attitude as Xabi Alonso's men were overpowered in the second half of the encounter despite going in level at half-time with a 2-2 scoreline.
Liverpool weren't the only European team to lose their 100 percent record this weekend. Over in Italy, Napoli slipped to second in the Serie A table after being beaten 2-1 by a Christian Pulisici-inspired AC Milan at San Siro.
Real Madrid legend Jorge Valdano has issued a damning verdict on Xabi Alonso’s side following their 5-2 humbling by city rivals Atletico Madrid. The former manager warned that the performance "revived a monster" and exposed a "real drama" in the team's defence, leaving the new project under intense scrutiny.
Xabi Alonso reacted after Real Madrid got hammered by rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby on Saturday. Los Blancos suffered their first loss of the 2025-26 campaign as Diego Simeone's side registered a convincing 5-2 derby win at the Metropolitano Stadium courtesy of a brace from star striker Julian Alvarez. Veteran star Antoine Griezmann was also on target for Atletico.
Xabi Alonso believes Franco Mastantuono has the Real Madrid "gene" as the manager waxed lyrical about the 18-year-old's bright start since his summer transfer from River Plate. Madrid’s swoop for Mastantuono had been in the works for months. They agreed a deal but had to bide their time until the wonderkid turned 18. Once the birthday candles were blown out, the six-year contract was sealed, tying him to the Bernabeu until 2031.
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed Jude Bellingham is ready to feature in the crucial derby against Atletico Madrid. The England midfielder has returned from shoulder surgery earlier than expected, offering Alonso flexibility in midfield as Los Blancos chase a perfect start to the 2025-26 La Liga season.
Kylian Mbappe was hiding in the background while Xabi Alonso soliloquised. It was just after the opening game of the Champions League group phase. Mbappe had pieced together a remarkable Blancos rescue act, scoring twice to overturn a 1-0 deficit (and he might have had one or two more.) Alonso was singing his praises. He hailed Mbappe's "incredible impact", and promised that they were "just getting started.” And then, as he realised Mbappe was in the room - just out of the shot - he tailed off.
Endrick has shut down Real Madrid’s idea of a loan move, insisting on fighting for his place at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 19-year-old has yet to debut under Xabi Alonso after recovering from injury, and with Gonzalo Garcia’s rise adding pressure, the teenager faces a defining battle to earn his breakthrough.
Real Madrid have made a perfect start under Xabi Alonso with six wins from six in La Liga. The Spanish manager is pleased with the progress but warned it is only the beginning and the team must keep improving if they want to stay at the top of the Spanish top-flight and in with a chance of competing in the Champions League.
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso was effusive in his praise for left-back Alvaro Carreras, who was one of the four players to join Los Blancos over the summer. Arriving from Benfica, Carreras' impressive start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu has left his manager "pleasantly surprised", with the former Bayer Leverkusen head coach labelling the 22-year-old a "very complete" player.
Xabi Alonso insists he's not making a “big deal” after growing speculation over Vinicius Jr’s substitution appearances. Real Madrid are on a good run in La Liga, but questions loom over player rotation as Alonso maintains a team-first approach, saying he wants all players to feel comfortable and that what matters most is the results and collective spirit.
Vinicius Junior has been warned that his attitude is “not healthy”, with the Real Madrid superstar reacting angrily to being substituted during the Blancos’ 2-0 win over Espanyol. The Brazil international was replaced in the 77th minute of that contest and did not take kindly to seeing his number held up. Jorge Valdano has discussed another show of petulance.
Diego Simeone was sent off after clashing with Liverpool fans during Atletico Madrid’s dramatic Champions League defeat at Anfield. The Argentine international later admitted he regretted the incident but blamed “insults” from behind the dugout. Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso also addressed the controversy, warning that fan abuse in football has been “getting out of hand.”
Vinicius Junior’s frustrations at Real Madrid have surfaced after he was benched again, this time in the Champions League win over Marseille. Xabi Alonso admitted the Brazilian was not ready to talk immediately after the match, but revealed the forward was in better spirits during training. Madrid now face Espanyol in La Liga, with selection questions looming.
A 10-man Real Madrid came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 in their Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabeu, but it wasn’t a perfect night for everyone. Youngster Arda Guler was at fault for Marseille’s early opener. After the match, coach Xabi Alonso addressed the mistake, but also made it clear that the Turkish talent has his full backing.
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