'Painful defeat' - Xabi Alonso admits Real Madrid face a 'challenge' keeping up with PSG after Club World Cup demolition

Real Madrid were thoroughly outclassed by Paris Saint-Germain in a 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final defeat. Alonso’s decision to abandon the back-five in the absence of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold backfired as Madrid conceded twice in the first nine minutes. The 15-time European champions never recovered from the early hits and made little impact even after tactical changes.

The clash against Paris Saint-Germain was Real Madrid’s first major test under Alonso, who only took charge weeks ago, and the result exposed the gap between his side and Luis Enrique's well-oiled European champions. Les Parisiens looked sharper, more cohesive, and far more clinical. Alonso acknowledged that Los Blancos must now rebuild with a renewed focus on collective play and cohesion.

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Speaking to the media, Alonso said: "We were two goals down and we couldn't find our footing. It was a painful defeat, we must admit that we were not up to standard today. We had some shortcomings at some points and sometimes it's good to see our mistakes, and you can draw lessons for the future.

"We start a new age after a break, with fresh minds," he said. "We want to build a team that plays as a unit, with everyone playing together... We were one match away, and it's painful, and let's see what happens now."

When asked if PSG were the best team in the world, the Spaniard added: "I would say that, they have been playing together for years and play at a top, top level. They play together as a team and it is tough to play against them. For sure, this is a challenge for us to improve."

Alonso has promised a 'new age' at Real Madrid starting next season as Los Blancos look to steady themselves after a trophyless season under Carlo Ancelotti. He stressed the need to learn from the defeat and build a team that functions well together. They will now shift their focus to preparing for the 2025/26 season, with a long-term plan under their new manager.