ALONSO'S TEAM LOOK THE REAL DEAL

He has installed solidity, consistency in a perfect prep to regain European crown

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Record 15-time kings of Europe Real Madrid open their new Champions League campaign on Sept 16 against Marseille, hoping they now have the coach and squad to regain the throne.

Real refreshed their squad this summer with several new signings at a cost of around €170 million ($$256 million) and hired former midfielder Xabi Alonso to replace veteran Carlo Ancelotti.

Los Blancos were dismantled 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal in last season’s quarterfinals, underlining the need to take a step forward both tactically and in terms of personnel.

With a top-heavy attack as Ancelotti insisted on regularly lining up with a “fantastic four” of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, Real’s defence was easily fractured.

Ancelotti could not find the right strategy to protect the team and, although Mbappe hit top form in the second half of the season, star power alone was not enough against Europe's elite.

Real suffered six defeats in the competition, including against Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.

They ended the season without a major trophy while bitter rivals Barcelona lifted a domestic treble.