Real Madrid’s humiliating defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their final match of the 2024-2025 season has laid bare the monumental task ahead for new manager Xabi Alonso. The Spanish giants were dismantled 4-0 in a match that exposed glaring weaknesses, leaving Alonso with a long list of issues to address before the next campaign.
Despite Kylian Mbappé’s record-breaking 44-goal debut season, the team has struggled to find cohesion with the French superstar in their lineup. Alonso, who took over mid-season, acknowledged the need for a complete reset. “I want this to have an impact but not drag us down,” he said after the loss. “In August, we start 2025-26, which will be different.”
The defeat to PSG was emblematic of a season plagued by inconsistency. Real Madrid suffered 15 losses in 68 matches, winning only the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. Barcelona dominated them in domestic competitions, while Arsenal and PSG exposed their defensive frailties in Europe.
Alonso’s initial focus on collective effort and tactical structure showed promise. Players like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Gonzalo García emerged as key figures, and the team displayed signs of improvement with a more compact pressing game. However, the PSG thrashing underscored the work still needed.
Mbappé’s presence has been both a blessing and a challenge. While his individual brilliance is undeniable, his integration into the team’s system remains a puzzle. “I came to win trophies,” Mbappé said, but his first season in Spain ended without silverware.
As Alonso prepares for the new season, the spotlight will be on how he rebuilds the squad and finds the right balance to maximize Mbappé’s talents. The road ahead is steep, but the lessons from this season could serve as a foundation for a brighter future.
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