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Alonso-era begins as Real chase redemption
The Mercury
|September 16, 2025
RECORD 15-time champions Real Madrid launch their new Champions League campaign today against Marseille, with Xabi Alonso tasked with restoring Los Blancos to Europe’s summit.
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Real Madrid overhauled their squad in the summer at a cost of around €170 million (£145m) and appointed former midfielder Alonso to replace veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Last season Madrid were humiliated 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal in the quarterfinals, exposing both tactical flaws and a lack of balance in the squad.
Ancelotti’s commitment to a top-heavy ‘fantastic four’ of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham often left the defence vulnerable. While Mbappé hit form in the second half of the campaign, sheer star power was not enough. Six Champions League defeats and a trophyless season were compounded by rivals Barcelona claiming a domestic treble.
Cette histoire est tirée de l'édition September 16, 2025 de The Mercury.
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