Fresh off two wins, Real Madrid is bracing for a truly monumental month! With Mallorca next and then a packed Champions League schedule, including an epic journey, how will Xabi Alonso’s squad navigate the coming storm? Plus, find out who’s staying as the transfer window slams shut. Can they maintain their winning momentum?
Real Madrid, fresh from two commanding victories to kick off the 2025-26 LaLiga season, stands at the precipice of an exceptionally demanding period. The initial successes against Osasuna and Real Oviedo at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu have set a high bar, yet the true test of their mettle is imminent as the schedule intensifies dramatically.
Before the first international break of the season, Los Blancos will host Mallorca in what promises to be a critical fixture. This match serves as the prelude to a series of significant challenges that will push Xabi Alonso’s meticulously assembled squad to their absolute limits, both domestically and on the European stage.
Following the brief pause, Real Madrid will embark on a gruelling schedule, including clashes with some of Europe’s most formidable teams in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. These high-stakes encounters are not merely tests of skill but also of endurance, requiring peak performance consistently against elite opposition.
One of the most unique challenges facing the team is an unprecedented trip to face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League. With an approximate straight-line flight distance of 3,814 miles, this fixture represents one of the longest and most logistically complex journeys in the tournament’s history, demanding meticulous preparation off the pitch.
Speaking ahead of the Mallorca match, manager Xabi Alonso candidly acknowledged the road ahead. He described the group as “demanding, but also motivating because of the opposition,” while specifically noting the travel to Kazakhstan as “a bit of a special condition.” Alonso emphasized the need for optimal logistical arrangements to mitigate the unique pressures of such an extensive journey.
Amidst the anticipation of the challenging fixtures, the final days of the 2025 summer transfer window also drew considerable attention. Xabi Alonso made it unequivocally clear that he was not expecting any further signings, reinforcing the club’s confidence in its current roster to tackle the season’s ambitions.
A key focus of transfer speculation revolved around Dani Ceballos, who was reportedly close to a move to OM. However, Alonso confirmed Ceballos’s commitment to Real Madrid, stating, “Nothing has changed. He’s stayed here and he’s just another member of the squad. I’m glad he’s here.” This decision solidifies Ceballos’s role within the squad for the upcoming campaign.
Similarly, speculation surrounding Rodrygo’s future was put to rest, with the dynamic forward now expected to remain at the Bernabeu. His continued presence adds significant depth and attacking prowess, crucial for navigating the packed fixture list across multiple competitions. The club’s strategic decision to retain its key players underscores a belief in the existing talent to achieve their lofty goals.
With the transfer window closed and a formidable calendar looming, Real Madrid is poised for an intense period. The blend of challenging opponents, unique travel requirements, and a settled squad under Xabi Alonso’s guidance sets the stage for a compelling narrative as Los Blancos aim to conquer both LaLiga and the Champions League.