The 4-3 stung at Real Madrid. In the command post, there was the conviction that Real Madrid could win in Barcelona. Then, the difficulty of the schedule for Barça would do the rest.
But things did not go as planned, and Real Madrid is already looking to the future with Xabi Alonso.
Florentino's roadmap for Mbappé's Real Madrid
Florentino Pérez has already begun to outline the roadmap for the new Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso at the helm. He has done so with a clear and direct message: all players are expendable, including Vinícius Jr. But there is one untouchable exception: Kylian Mbappé will be the new flagship of the white project.
After the defeat in El Clásico, the merengue president has not wasted time. He personally called Xabi Alonso to explain what is expected of him when he takes over the first team's bench.
The main guideline is clear: Real Madrid 2025-26 must revolve around Mbappé. Everything else, including Vinícius, will adapt to that reality.
Vinícius-Mbappé relations, increasingly tense
This decision has not been well received in the Brazilian's environment, who until now was considered the visible face of the white project. Vinícius has been one of the most decisive players in recent seasons, but his prominence will be reduced with the arrival of the French star. The relations, although not yet broken, are becoming increasingly tense.
In the club, they have already made it clear that no one has a guaranteed position. Neither Rodrygo, nor Valverde, nor Tchouaméni, not even Vinícius.
If anyone doesn't adapt to Mbappé's new leadership, they will be put on the market. Florentino's model is clear: there are no sacred cows.
No one will be above Mbappé
Xabi Alonso accepts the challenge with total determination. The Basque coach assumes that he will have to build a team that maximizes Mbappé's strengths. In the next season, Real Madrid will seek to be more vertical and with more prominence of the French forward in the area.
The internal message is strong: the future is Mbappé. Real Madrid wants to exploit him to the fullest as a global image, sports reference, and locker room leader. Around him, a competitive, modern team without individual privileges will be built.
Deep changes are looming in the white locker room. Florentino has already made it clear that no one, not even Vinícius, is above the new king of Bernabéu: Kylian Mbappé.