Real Madrid is off to a flying start, but the real test is just beginning! With Mallorca up next and a daunting Champions League fixture list looming (including a 3,800-mile trip!), Xabi Alonso’s squad faces a truly monumental month. Will they maintain their winning momentum against such formidable challenges?
Real Madrid has kicked off the 2025-26 season with impressive momentum, securing victories in their first two LaLiga fixtures. However, this early success merely sets the stage for a significantly more challenging period ahead, as the squad prepares to navigate a demanding schedule that will test their depth, resilience, and tactical prowess across multiple competitions. The initial triumphs against Osasuna and Real Oviedo have provided a solid foundation, yet the true measure of Xabi Alonso’s team will be taken in the coming weeks as they face formidable domestic and international opponents.
The immediate focus for Los Blancos shifts to their upcoming home encounter against Mallorca at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. This match carries considerable weight, serving as the final domestic challenge before the season’s first international break. A victory here is crucial not only for maintaining their perfect league record but also for building confidence and momentum as they brace for a relentless stretch of fixtures, including pivotal Champions League clashes.
Following the brief respite of the international window, Real Madrid will plunge into the rigorous league phase of the UEFA Champions League. This prestigious competition promises to pit Xabi Alonso’s men against some of Europe’s elite clubs, demanding peak performance and strategic brilliance. The prospect of facing top-tier opposition on the grandest continental stage is a key motivating factor for the squad, highlighting the high stakes and the immense opportunities for glory.
Adding to the intensity of their schedule is an unprecedented trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League. This journey, spanning an approximate straight-line flight distance of 3,814 miles, presents a unique logistical and physical challenge. Such an extensive travel commitment underscores the demanding nature of modern football, requiring meticulous planning and careful player management to minimize fatigue and maintain optimal performance levels.
Ahead of the Mallorca match, manager Xabi Alonso candidly addressed the media, acknowledging the demanding yet motivating nature of their upcoming fixture list. He specifically highlighted the “special condition” of traveling to Kazakhstan, emphasizing the need for the “best logistical arrangements possible.” Alonso’s pragmatic outlook reflects the club’s commitment to tackling every challenge head-on, ensuring the squad is optimally prepared for both domestic and European endeavors.
Furthermore, the manager provided an update on the club’s transfer activities, asserting that he did not anticipate any further signings before the imminent close of the 2025 summer transfer window. This clear statement signals confidence in the current squad composition and a belief that the team possesses the necessary talent and depth to compete successfully across all fronts, including their LaLiga campaign and the intense Champions League schedule.
Among the key players expected to remain is Dani Ceballos, despite recent speculation linking him with a move to OM. Xabi Alonso confirmed that he had spoken with Ceballos, stating, “Nothing has changed. He’s stayed here and he’s just another member of the squad. I’m glad he’s here.” The decision appears final, with Ceballos set to continue playing the same role as initially planned, reinforcing the stability and depth of the Real Madrid midfield as they embark on this challenging phase of the season.
Similarly, Rodrygo is also set to stay, further solidifying Real Madrid’s attacking options. The continuity of key players like Ceballos and Rodrygo is paramount as the team navigates its way through the demanding fixtures, including the crucial LaLiga matches and the high-profile Champions League encounters. Their presence ensures Xabi Alonso has a full complement of talent to draw upon, vital for maintaining competitiveness during this arduous period.
As Real Madrid prepares to host Mallorca, the anticipation for a grueling yet potentially rewarding period is palpable. With a strong start to their LaLiga campaign and the looming challenges of the Champions League, Xabi Alonso’s side is poised for an intense month that will define the early trajectory of their season. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent will be crucial in overcoming the demanding schedule and achieving their ambitious objectives.
