Real Madrid - 2025

1. Current form & on-pitch performance

Real Madrid continue to push in the early part of the 2025-26 campaign under Xabi Alonso, maintaining a perfect start in La Liga despite adversity (for example, going down to ten men and still winning 2-1 vs. Real Sociedad). 

However, it’s not all smooth sailing: in a recent goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano (0-0) Real Madrid suffered double injury concerns (Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde) which raises questions about squad depth and fitness. 

On the discipline/off-field front: the club was fined by UEFA for discriminatory behaviour by fans in a Champions League tie. The fine (≈ €30,000) comes with a warning of possible stadium seat closure if there are repeat offences. 


Key players to watch:

Kylian Mbappé: continues making major contributions and remains central to Madrid’s attacking identity.

Arda Güler: emerging talent who is stepping up in big games; his goal vs. Sociedad was a good sign.

Younger fringe players like Gonzalo García: Though talented (he contributed in the Club World Cup), his playing minutes have been limited lately. 


2. Managerial & tactical outlook

Xabi Alonso’s appointment signals a more refined medium-to-long-term project. He’s inherited a club with high expectations and is under pressure to deliver. 

The tactical DNA: Real Madrid is combining attacking firepower with resilience. For example, in the Sociedad match despite being down to ten men (via a red card) they still held on for the win. 

One tactical/structural issue: squad rotation and fixture congestion. The club (via former coach Carlo Ancelotti) has been vocal about demanding at least 72 hours rest between matches. Though earlier, this shows a structural concern about player fatigue.

3. Transfer & squad management

Real Madrid are looking ahead: for example, reports suggest that the club have identified reinforcing centre-back as a priority for the next window, with players like Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté being monitored. 

Meanwhile, there are tensions internally: for instance, winger Rodrygo Goes is reportedly frustrated with his playing time and there’s interest from other clubs. 

Some young players, despite evident potential, are finding first-team minutes hard to come by – Gonzalo García is a case in point. His situation raises questions about balance between youth promotion and star-led stable squad.

4. Off-pitch & institutional matters

Fan behaviour & club image: That fine from UEFA is a reminder Real Madrid must manage not just performance but also reputation and behaviour. 

Stadium & commercial aspects: The home base remains the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a global brand asset. 

Legacy and Culture:
 Former club icons continue to feature in narratives, like Claude Makélélé praising current players. 

5. What to watch in the near future

Here are the key questions and markers for Real Madrid:

Fitness & injuries: With Valverde and Courtois under assessment, how the club manages the load and returns is crucial.

Squad depth: As the season progresses and pressure mounts (La Liga, Champions League, cups), depth will be tested.

Youth integration vs stars: Will players like Gonzalo García get meaningful minutes? Can Madrid maintain balance?

Transfer moves: Will Madrid act to reinforce defence? Will reluctant fringe players (e.g., Rodrygo) stay or go?

Behaviour & culture: Will off-field issues like fines distract, or can they reinforce a positive culture?

Tactical identity: Alonso’s system needs to deliver consistently against top rivals and under pressure situations.

6. Final thoughts

Real Madrid today is in a strong position but not without challenges. The attacking talent is elite, the club’s ambition obvious, and the manager’s project promising. But the heavy demands of modern football, especially for a club with the pedigree of Los Blancos, mean that even small cracks (injuries, squad discontent, off-field issues) can be significant.

If Real Madrid can manage the load, maintain unity, and refresh the squad astutely, they remain among the favourites for domestic and European honours. The coming months will tell if this really is another era of dominance or a transitional phase with stumbles.

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