Real Madrid wasn't able to come out victorious in its first Club World Cup match, marking Xabi Alonso's debut on the bench. Although it took the lead on the scoreboard through Gonzalo, the joy didn't last long for the Whites... Neves quickly equalized with a penalty. This was committed, in a completely foolish manner, by Raúl Asencio.
Asencio's performance, in particular, didn't amuse Xabi Alonso at all, who decided to substitute him after halftime. The Spanish center-back had received a yellow card for the penalty he committed and didn't play a single minute in the second half. He was slow, arrived late, and didn't earn more minutes on the field... He was the main one singled out by the Tolosa native in his first match as coach.
Madrid has a problem with Raúl Asencio
Internally, Xabi Alonso's message was clear regarding the defensive line: "We have a problem". The Basque coach believes it's necessary to recover the injured players in the center of defense, with Dean Huijsen as the main starter in the position.
As soon as he recovers, the new Real Madrid coach is certain that the Spaniard's partner will be Rüdiger. Raúl Asencio didn't convince him at all in his debut on the Merengue bench, believing he doesn't have the qualities to be a starter under him. This was clear with his substitution, moving Tchouameni back to the center-back position, providing more security in defense.
This Madrid needs to improve
After having little time to prepare for this match, it's clear there's a lot of work to do. Xabi Alonso has no doubt and believes he can get the most out of what he has. But he knows time is needed. So far, he has had the bare minimum, including a trip in between to the United States to play under less than ideal conditions.
After drawing 1-1 against Al-Hilal, Madrid knows it can't fail in a group that should be straightforward. Ahead, it has two matches left against Salzburg and Pachuca, both of which it should win comfortably. It's true that this result against the Arabs wasn't in Xabi Alonso's plans, especially because of the image shown. But the room for improvement is clear and there's time ahead.
It wasn't the most exciting debut possible, but Real Madrid has no doubt... With Xabi Alonso, results and good play will come. In this match, there was a chance to win with a penalty in stoppage time, but Bono saved it.