Real Madrid 2025-2026 Squad Analysis & League Prospects Prediction

A New Era Under Xabi Alonso: Rebuilding for Silverware After a Disappointing Campaign

After a disastrous 2024-25 season that saw Real Madrid fail to defend any of their major trophies, lose all four El Clásico clashes, and suffer a crippling defensive injury crisis, the "Los Blancos" are back with a renewed purpose. Guided by new manager Xabi Alonso, armed with €178 million in summer signings, and boasting one of their youngest squads in over a decade, Madrid aim to reclaim dominance in Spain and Europe. This analysis delves into the team’s revamped squad, Alonso’s tactical approach, key fixtures, and realistic prospects across competitions.

I. Squad Overhaul: Addressing Weaknesses with Strategic Signings

Defensive Reinforcements: Fixing a Leaky Backline

Last season’s 84 goals conceded exposed critical flaws in Madrid’s defense, prompting the club to prioritize defensive signings. The headline arrival is Trent Alexander-Arnold (26), who left boyhood club Liverpool to link up with England teammate Jude Bellingham. The versatile right-back brings creative flair and defensive solidity, a dual threat that Alonso seeks to leverage.

Joining him are two other defensive additions: Dean Huijsen (20), a 195cm center-back who impressed at Bournemouth and immediately secured a starting spot in the Club World Cup, and Álvaro Carreras, a Spanish left-back competing with Ferland Mendy and Fran García for minutes. Huijsen stands out as a multi-faceted talent—comfortable in both four-man and three-man defenses, he possesses Toni Kroos-esque long passing and calm build-up play, filling a void Madrid’s backline has lacked for years.

Veterans David Alaba (33) and Éder Militão (27) anchor the defense, while Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin remain reliable options in goal. The revamped unit already showed improvement in pre-season, with defensive stability exceeding the entirety of last season’s performance.

Midfield: Youthful Creativity and Depth

The midfield sees a blend of experience and emerging talent. Arda Güler (20) has finally broken through after two seasons on the fringes under Carlo Ancelotti. Handed consistent starts by Alonso (six consecutive appearances to open the season), the Turkish playmaker is poised for a breakout year—his precise passing, set-piece expertise, and long-range shooting make him the ideal replacement for Luka Modrić.

Franco Mastantuono, the only attacking signing of the summer, is touted as one of football’s most exciting young talents. The teenage playmaker is expected to fill in for the injured Bellingham early in the season, potentially becoming Madrid’s new "Number 10." Jude Bellingham (22) remains the midfield linchpin, while Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga add energy and versatility. Dani Ceballos and academy graduate Mario Martín provide depth, though their consistency at the highest level is unproven.

Attack: Star Power Led by Mbappé

The forward line retains its world-class firepower, led by Kylian Mbappé (26), who aims to lead Madrid to major silverware. Vinícius Júnior (25) is still searching for his Ballon d’Or-caliber form since Mbappé’s arrival, but their partnership remains one of Europe’s most lethal. Rodrygo (24) offers versatility across the front three, while 19-year-old Endrick and academy product Gonzalo García provide long-term upside.

II. Xabi Alonso’s Tactical Vision: Pragmatism Meets Ambition

Alonso’s appointment signals a shift toward pragmatic, results-driven football—something he proved during his title-winning tenure at Bayer Leverkusen. His core principles align with Madrid’s squad strengths:

• Tactical Flexibility: Alonso will alternate between four-man and three-man defenses, leveraging Huijsen’s adaptability and Alexander-Arnold’s overlapping runs. The 4-3-3 formation will prioritize width and transitions, while a 3-5-2 may be deployed against top opponents to shore up midfield.
• Defensive Solidarity: After last season’s defensive chaos, Alonso has emphasized organization. The pre-season improvement and Huijsen’s emergence suggest the backline is responding.
• Youth Integration: Madrid’s youngest squad in over a decade fits Alonso’s philosophy of trusting young talent—Güler and Huijsen are already key contributors, with Mastantuono set to follow.

However, the Club World Cup 4-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain exposed early vulnerabilities, particularly a lack of cohesion against elite opposition. Alonso must address this to compete in Europe.

III. Key Fixtures: Derbies and Title Deciders

Madrid’s season will be defined by high-stakes clashes, with El Clásico taking center stage. After losing all four derbies last season, revenge against Barcelona is a top priority:

• Barcelona: Home (October 26) and away (May 10) – these matches could decide the La Liga title, as Barça won the 2024-25 league by just four points.
• Atlético Madrid: Away (September 28) and home (March 22) – The Madrid Derby is always fiercely contested, with Atlético’s Metropolitano Stadium historically a fortress.
• Other Challengers: Trips to Athletic Bilbao (January 11) and Valencia’s Mestalla (February 8) are tricky, while matches against Real Betis (January 4, April 19) could disrupt momentum.

IV. Season Prospects: Realistic Targets and Limitations

La Liga: Favorites to Dethrone Barcelona

Madrid are well-positioned to reclaim the La Liga title. Barça’s narrow four-point margin last season came amid Madrid’s injury crisis, and the summer defensive upgrades should level the playing field. Alonso’s proven ability to grind out results in league campaigns (as seen at Leverkusen) and the squad’s attacking firepower make them clear favorites. Prediction: La Liga Champions (90+ points).

UEFA Champions League: Semifinal Bound, But Title Hurdles Remain

While Madrid’s European pedigree (14 titles) is unmatched, the Club World Cup humiliation and lack of cohesion against top sides raise concerns. The squad has the talent to progress deep, but competing with the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich, or PSG will require greater tactical unity. Prediction: Champions League Semifinalists.

Domestic Cups: Secondary Priorities

• Copa del Rey: Madrid have a history of early exits, with the competition taking a backseat to La Liga and the Champions League. They’ve won just once in the last decade. Prediction: Quarterfinalists.
• Spanish Super Cup: A two-match tournament (semifinal and final) – Madrid are confident of beating Atlético in the semifinal, but Barça’s recent head-to-head dominance makes them underdogs in the final. Prediction: Runners-Up.

Conclusion: A Season of Redemption and Transition

2025-26 is a make-or-break campaign for Real Madrid. Alonso’s tactical acumen, the summer signings, and the emergence of young talent have revitalized the squad, but the pressure to deliver silverware is immense. La Liga glory is within reach, while European success depends on fixing defensive fragilities and building cohesion. For Mbappé, Bellingham, and the rest of the squad, this season is an opportunity to erase the memories of 2024-25 and re-establish Madrid as football’s dominant force.