Mbappé’s Return Eases Pressure on Alonso as Real Madrid Edge Alavés; Scrutiny Still Looms at the Bernabéu
By Nego World Sports
Real Madrid’s fragile start to the 2025–26 season took on a significant turn on Sunday at Mendizorroza Stadium, where Kylian Mbappé’s return to the starting lineup — and his decisive contribution — helped secure a vital 2–1 La Liga victory over Deportivo Alavés. The result has eased the immediate pressure surrounding manager Xabi Alonso, even as broader questions about the team’s direction remain unresolved.
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| Mbappé’s goal makes Xabi Alonso breathe again |
While Real Madrid has not publicly indicated any intention to change managers, recent results have intensified scrutiny around Alonso’s position. A run of just two wins in eight competitive matches, coupled with uneven performances in Europe, had fueled speculation and heightened tension heading into the fixture against Alavés.
That context made Sunday’s match more than a routine league encounter. It represented a critical moment for Alonso and his squad — an opportunity to steady the ship and restore belief at a time when confidence had been visibly shaken.
Mbappé’s presence proved pivotal in Vitoria. Returning from an injury that had ruled him out of midweek European action, the French forward opened the scoring with a powerful first-half strike that gave Real Madrid a much-needed advantage. Although Alavés responded with an equaliser, Madrid regained control eight minutes later when Rodrygo found the net, sealing a result that halted a worrying sequence of form.
The victory not only delivered three points but also provided much-needed breathing space for a team under mounting external and internal pressure.
The Weight of Expectation on Alonso’s Shoulders
Since taking charge at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this year, Xabi Alonso’s tenure has been defined by high expectations and relentless scrutiny. Appointed after an impressive coaching spell in Germany, the former midfield maestro was expected to blend tactical discipline with Real Madrid’s traditional attacking identity.
However, the early months of his reign have exposed the difficulty of that task. Inconsistent league performances and a painful Champions League setback against Manchester City led to growing criticism, with sections of the fan base questioning whether the project was progressing quickly enough.
Reports in recent weeks suggested that patience within the club was being tested, not through formal ultimatums but through rising expectations for immediate improvement. In such an environment, every match carries amplified significance — and every result shapes the narrative around the manager.
Sunday’s performance, though not flawless, demonstrated a level of resilience that had previously been lacking. For Alonso, it was a reminder that belief within the squad remains intact, even amid external noise.
Mbappé: Catalyst and Symbol of Stability
Since arriving at Real Madrid, Mbappé’s influence has extended beyond goals alone. His presence provides clarity in attack, confidence in decisive moments, and a psychological lift to teammates navigating a demanding season.
His goal against Alavés arrived at a crucial point, reinforcing why Real Madrid prioritised his signing and why he remains central to Alonso’s tactical approach. Beyond the strike itself, Mbappé’s movement, intensity, and leadership helped restore balance to a side that had struggled to impose itself in recent outings.
After the match, Alonso focused on collective effort rather than individual acclaim, highlighting the importance of unity and composure. “We showed character and resilience,” he noted, underlining the need to build momentum rather than dwell on past frustrations.
The win lifted Real Madrid back into second place in La Liga, keeping them within reach of Barcelona and reducing the immediate intensity of scrutiny surrounding the manager.
More Than Just a Single Result
Despite the relief offered by Sunday’s victory, underlying concerns persist. Real Madrid’s campaign has been marked by inconsistency, defensive lapses, and periods of overreliance on individual brilliance rather than sustained collective control.
Injuries and squad rotation challenges have further complicated Alonso’s task, particularly in defensive areas where continuity has been difficult to establish. The balance between maintaining attacking freedom and ensuring structural discipline remains a work in progress.
There have, however, been encouraging signs. Analysts have noted improvements in defensive work rate from attacking players, including Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, suggesting gradual adaptation to Alonso’s tactical demands. These developments point toward a longer-term vision that may require patience to fully materialise.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Phase
As Real Madrid enter the next phase of their season, the spotlight will remain firmly on Alonso. Sunday’s victory does not represent a turning point in isolation, but it does offer a platform from which progress can be built.
The challenge now is consistency. Turning narrow escapes into controlled performances will determine whether this result marks the beginning of stability or merely a temporary pause in scrutiny.
For now, Mbappé’s return and decisive impact have provided Real Madrid with a timely boost — easing pressure, restoring belief, and reminding supporters that quality within the squad remains undeniable. The coming weeks will reveal whether Alonso can convert that reassurance into sustained momentum at one of football’s most demanding institutions.
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