Concern grows over Real Madrid’s sudden slump

In just two weeks, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid have gone from the euphoria of their Clásico win over Barcelona to quietly embracing the arrival of the FIFA international break. 

It might sound strange, but around Valdebebas, the feeling is that the timing couldn’t be better for the current LaLiga leaders following Sunday’s draw against Rayo Vallecano.

Real Madrid puzzled by backward step

Those within the club admit they’re puzzled by this sudden step backward from a team that had seemingly broken through the wall Barcelona built last season. The concern isn’t full-blown panic, but the team’s performances in their last two games have raised eyebrows. It’s a moment for reflection and careful analysis after such contrasting displays in just 14 days.

What’s worrying isn’t so much the results or style of play, but the growing sense that some players aren’t fully grasping what Alonso wants from them in certain moments. Trust in the coach and his methods is total, yet it’s still surprising to see a lapse in intensity so soon after overcoming last season’s biggest challenge.

Work to do in the international break

At the Bernabéu, no one forgets that Madrid are still top of the table, a position that remains undisputed. Even so, there’s acknowledgment that the team haven’t found the level of consistency and fluid play expected of them.

With two weeks until their next match, the mood around Valdebebas is that this break offers a valuable window for players and staff to study what’s gone wrong and fix it. The feeling isn’t catastrophic, but there’s frustration that mistakes from the recent past, thought to have been buried, are beginning to resurface.