Xabi Alonso gets breathing room as Real Madrid sets up Spanish Super Cup final vs. Barcelona

Xabi Alonso can finally take a breath. Real Madrid is still alive in the Spanish Super Cup after knocking out Atlético Madrid, and the new coach has passed his first major test. Sunday’s final against Barcelona will bring another, even tougher challenge, but for now, the initial hurdle is cleared.

Madrid took control almost immediately thanks to a rocket of a goal from Federico Valverde in the opening minute. Rodrygo later added what looked like the decisive strike, though Alexander Sørloth refused to let the game die quietly, dragging the drama all the way to the final whistle.

Saudi Arabia: A happy place for Real Madrid

Real Madrid continues to treat the Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia as a standing appointment. The club has reached the final every time the tournament has been played there, and this year is no exception.

Four straight wins in recent weeks across LaLiga and the Copa del Rey had already eased the tension around the team. That run bought Alonso time and calm as he continues shaping a project he has been working on since June. The fifth consecutive victory not only brings peace of mind, it also gives him a chance to win his first trophy as Real Madrid manager.

Madrid winning without brilliance, for now

The performance itself was not spectacular, but Madrid controlled the game at a pace that suited them until Rodrygo’s goal effectively sealed it. Player and coach alike now look for improvement, particularly in physical sharpness, as the team tries to reach a level where it can compete for everything.

That expectation, of course, is woven into the club’s history. At Real Madrid, merely surviving is never enough.

Injuries remain a growing concern

Beyond results on the field, injuries continue to worry club executives. Alonso’s squad has already suffered 23 injuries this season, with Kylian Mbappé’s latest setback serving as the bitter finishing touch to a frustrating list.

The return of Niko Mihić to the medical staff marks the first concrete step in what could be broader changes in the coming days.

Fitness the issue?

Some theories point to physical preparation as the root of the problem, and both the club and coaching staff are actively working to find solutions. In Saudi Arabia, a familiar face has been spotted around the team: Antonio Pintus, the fitness coach who previously worked under Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.

For Xabi Alonso, the message is clear. The first exam has been passed. Now comes Barcelona, and the real test.

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