Real Madrid have started the season with a clean sweep of victories before the INT break – a strong beginning under Xabi Alonso despite the limited preparation after the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid’s 2025/26 campaign could hardly have started better. With a perfect record heading into the international break, the team looks refreshed, hungry, and determined to carry the momentum of last season’s successes into a new era under Xabi Alonso. What makes this strong opening even more impressive is the limited preparation time the squad had following the demands of the Club World Cup. Yet, in true Madrid fashion, adversity has been turned into advantage.

The early weeks have offered a glimpse of what Xabi wants his Madrid to look like: proactive, aggressive, and fearless in their approach. Unlike last season’s more cautious and often reactive style, the team now plays with a pressing intensity that suffocates opponents and creates quick transitions. The philosophy is clear — Madrid are no longer content to sit back and absorb pressure; they want to dictate the game at every stage.

One of the brightest revelations of this new chapter has been Dean Huijsen. The young defender has seamlessly slotted into the backline, not only displaying maturity and solidity in defense but also showing the confidence to step up as a playmaker. His ability to carry the ball out from the back has added a new dimension, giving Madrid a fresh rhythm in building attacks. For a player so early in his career, Huijsen is playing with a poise that suggests he belongs at the very top.

Equally encouraging has been the resurgence of Aurélien Tchouaméni. Since arriving at the Bernabéu, the French midfielder has faced moments of inconsistency, but this season he has looked every inch the midfield general Madrid fans hoped for. Dominating the center of the pitch, Tchouaméni has been breaking up opposition attacks, dictating tempo, and providing the perfect balance between defense and transition. This could well be the season he truly establishes himself as one of the best in Europe.

However, not everything has been flawless in Madrid’s start. One of the more puzzling aspects has been the positioning of Fede Valverde. Known for his boundless energy and versatility, Valverde seems slightly out of sync with Xabi Alonso’s system so far. The Uruguayan’s strengths lie in his dynamism and ability to drive the team forward, but in this structure, he has looked somewhat misplaced. Finding a role that brings the best out of him will be a challenge Xabi must solve quickly.

On the attacking front, the left side has been nothing short of electric. With Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé combining, the flank has become a constant source of danger, stretching defenses and creating chances almost at will. Yet, this brilliance has also highlighted an imbalance: the right wing still lacks the same level of threat. Opponents have quickly realized where the danger lies, and unless Madrid develop a more balanced attacking approach, they risk becoming predictable against top-level defenses.

Amid Jude Bellingham’s absence, Arda Güler has stepped into the spotlight with confidence and flair. The Turkish youngster has provided creativity and vision, ensuring that Madrid’s midfield remains dynamic even without one of its key stars. Still, the big question is how Güler’s role will evolve once Bellingham returns. Will he be pushed to the periphery, or can Xabi find a way to integrate both talents seamlessly? It is a puzzle that many Madridistas are eager to see solved.

Another area that demands improvement is Madrid’s ability to break down stubborn defenses. While their pressing and counter-attacking play have been superb, they sometimes struggle against teams that sit deep with discipline. In those moments, creativity and patience become vital, and this is where the return of Bellingham and the integration of Güler could be decisive.

Despite these areas for refinement, the overall picture is highly encouraging. Madrid are unbeaten, their stars are stepping up, and their young talents are thriving. More importantly, the squad is beginning to reflect Xabi Alonso’s vision: a team that imposes itself, plays with bravery, and never settles for less. If these opening weeks are any indication, the season ahead promises both excitement and silverware.

The international break provides a natural pause, a chance to recharge and fine-tune details. But when the players return, the real tests will come thick and fast. For now, Madridistas can take pride in a flawless start, the rise of new heroes, and the reassuring sense that their beloved club is once again evolving without losing its identity.

And perhaps most significantly, this is only the beginning. With Vinícius, Mbappé, Bellingham, and the next generation stepping up under a visionary coach, the promise of greatness feels not just possible, but inevitable