Real Madrid are faster, younger and bolder

Xabi Alonso is changing Real Madrid.

After just three games in charge, the talented former Real Madrid midfielder has made his mark. This is no longer Carlo Ancelotti’s team. There are no more sleepy first halves, no more late second-half surges. Alonso’s Real Madrid take to the field like a loaded arrow, playing at a high tempo, pressing hard, and looking to finish off their opponents early.

The difference is obvious, but is it effective? Is this Real Madrid better than Ancelotti's Real Madrid? That is a question only time - and trophies - will tell.

In football, beautiful play does not guarantee victory. And at a club like Real Madrid, where glory is a duty, only trophies can prove any philosophy is correct.

Vinicius returned to his old fearsome form in the 3-0 win over Salzburg.

But if we have to judge by feeling, Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid is blowing a new, youthful wind. Meeting Salzburg at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ on the morning of June 27, instead of starting cautiously, "Los Blancos" now attack from the start, pressing hard, pushing the defense to the middle of the field - an approach that is completely opposite to Ancelotti's calm and conservative approach. They no longer wait but proactively attack, impose, and decide the fate of the match in the first 45 minutes.

The last match was a living proof. Real Madrid won in the first half. Thibaut Courtois was almost a spectator. Vinicius Jr was back at his best: agile, sharp and effective.

Vinicius's opener after a classy assist from Bellingham was the perfect example of the new style of play: speed, quick combinations, use of space. And then Vinicius's genius backheel for Valverde to double the lead - a moment of art reminiscent of Guti-Benzema years ago, making people admire.

Gonzalo - a name that not many people know - was the surprise highlight. Even though Rodrygo was brought on, Alonso kept Gonzalo for the full 90 minutes, as a tacit statement that the team needed a real striker up front.

And Gonzalo did not disappoint that trust. He sealed a 3-0 victory, and affirmed his position in the journey to conquer this Club World Cup.

Jude Bellingham has also been playing well recently.

Don’t get too optimistic just yet, though. Stronger opponents await. And the next game – against a side that has Vlahovic, once considered their future centre-forward – will be the real test of Xabi Alonso’s philosophy. Gonzalo is emerging as a viable option, but comparisons with world-class strikers are still too early.

Like every new thing, Alonso's Real Madrid needs to be tested by time, by big battles, and ultimately - by titles.

However, this start is worth looking forward to. Not only because of the results, but because of the new spirit, new speed, and the will to renew itself - something any big company needs if it doesn't want to fall into the old cycle.

Ancelotti has had his work cut out for him, no one can deny that. But the Xabi Alonso era may have begun - an era where Madrid not only play beautifully, but dare to dominate from the first second.

Source: https://znews.vn/real-madrid-nhanh-hon-tre-hon-va-tao-bao-hon-post1564132.html