Real Madrid had a match to forget, both because of the result and its lack of soccer. Xabi Alonso's technical strategy was far from the desired one. Many fans and experts were left puzzled by the decisions made.
A gray match and a questionable strategy
From the start, Madrid couldn't find its rhythm. The team seemed out of place, without fluidity and with little connection between lines, the game plan didn't work. Xabi Alonso, who took on the challenge of managing the club, made tactical mistakes that were evident in every corner of the field.
Substitutions that didn't provide solutions, an unclear approach, and a defense that struggled a lot. Without a doubt, a match that the players and the coaching staff will want to erase as soon as possible.
Madrid needs to recover its essence more than ever. That requires a technical direction that knows how to read matches better and bring out the best in the team. This match proved that there's a lot to correct.
Luka Modric's absence: an ongoing debate
One of the main points of attention was Luka Modric's absence from the starting eleven. Many wondered why someone who has been one of Madrid's pillars didn't start the match. Tomás Roncero, a well-known journalist and fan of the club, was clear and forceful on his social media.
Tomás Roncero didn't hide his surprise. In his last match with Real Madrid, Modric wasn't a starter. For Roncero, this was a huge mistake; in a tweet that quickly went viral, he wrote:
"When @lukamodric10 steps onto the field, you see some soccer. I still don't understand why he hasn't had a final year at the club of his life. The best midfielder Madrid still has, it's sad to think we won't see him in white anymore. We're going to miss him so much."
This message sums up the feeling of many Madridists. Modric is one of the club's best and remains key for balance and quality in the midfield.
Modric's legacy and what's next for Madrid
Watching Modric leave hurts. His elegance, vision, and ability to control the tempo of matches have been vital in Madrid's greatest achievements. Now, the club must face a new stage, with young players who have a lot to prove, but without the experience and mastery of the Croatian.
Xabi Alonso faces the challenge of building a solid team, but also of respecting the legacy of its most important players. Leaving Modric out of the starting eleven in his farewell wasn't the best decision and has sparked controversy.