Real Madrid – Juventus: Xabi Alonso’s Tactical Tweaks Edged Past The Old Lady (1-0)

Xabi Alonso's tactical tweaks gave Real Madrid the edge after a first half that could be deemed stale. The white team was close to paying the price for defensive problems. Nonetheless, a return to basics and La Fábrica graduate Gonzalo Garcia, who continued to level up, allowed Los Blancos a smooth sailing to the quarterfinals.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

A new era kicked off in Real Madrid after they recruited former player Xabi Alonso to assume the responsibility in the dugout. Steering Los Blancos constantly to the podiums has been deemed a heavy mission throughout the team's history. Failure is not an option, and the Club World Cup is Xabi Alonso's first challenge with Real Madrid. The Spanish manager had already passed through some tests in the group stages, in which he proved his tactical flexibility. He drove the team to come out victorious after playing with ten men for the majority of the game against Pachuca, whereas his tactical acumen gave the team the upper hand against RB Salzburg, guaranteeing the first spot in the group.

After leading the Old Lady to the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Igor Tudor signed a deal with Juventus to become a permanent manager after he took over as a caretaker in March 2025, following the dismissal of Thiago Motta. Juventus' adventure in the Club World Cup kick-started with two huge wins against Al Ain and Wydad . . .