RB Salzburg – Real Madrid: A Win A La Bayer Leverkusen’ Xabi Alonso (0-3)

Bringing back his days with Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso set his team up similarly to what he was used to in the Bundesliga. Central progression and neat counterattacks nipped the game in the bud, allowing Real Madrid to top the group, securing a classic clash with the Old Lady, Juventus in the round of sixteen.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

Under scorching heat in the United States of America, Xabi Alonso inaugurated his tenure with Real Madrid with a draw against Al Hilal. The Spanish manager's tactical blueprints were glaring all over the pitch. Nonetheless, the performance and execution were average due to the lack of preparation time. The new signing, Alexander-Arnold, is gradually getting used to his new club, whilst Dean Huijsen appeared harmonious from the get-go as if he had been playing with Los Blancos for a while.

In the second game, the win was a must, especially since RB Salzburg had claimed the three points against Pachuca in their first game. However, Raúl Asencio's red card early in the match hinted that Real Madrid's mission wasn't a walk in the park. Xabi Alonso's tactical adjustment gave the team the upper hand despite playing with ten men. At the end, Los Blancos successfully fulfilled the mission, hoping for another win against RB Salzburg to top the group.

Xabi Alonso entered the game with a 3-4-3 lineup. Aurélien Tchouaméni sat between Dean Huijsen and Antonio R . . .