Real Madrid take on Dortmund
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UP next BVB
The last time the two sides met, Vinicius scored a brilliant second half hatrick to overturn a two goal deficit at the Bernabeu. Dortmund do not have a great record against Real Madrid since winning the SF clash against Mourinho’s team in 2013.
Xabi Alonso’s men are 3 wins away from becoming inaugural CWC winners. The club and the payers have talked it up even before the tournament kicked off. The jokes about the CWC are done now.. This is a tournament everyone wants to win. The losers will claim its worthless but the winners will get the money, the trophy and the badge for a season.
Xabi Alonso: “The Club World Cup is showing us the competitive level of other leagues. We Europeans aren’t as familiar with it. It’s been good for football. In Europe, we think the Champions League is the only thing that counts, but that’s not the case.” pic.twitter.com/8uLjNzEO1P
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 5, 2025
What’s more is the new era could do with a winning start. Xabi Alonso is already the biggest winner so far. He’s been able to identify strengths and weaknesses of players and the squad while implementing his ideas.
The Rodrygo Affair
Xabi Alonso: “I’m sure Rodrygo can return to his best form. I spoke with him; he’s positive, eager, and ready when needed.” pic.twitter.com/NRKsemjF4x
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 4, 2025
Rodrygo’s situation under Xabi Alonso is strange. The banter is one thing but Rodrygo is one of the best players in the squad. It doesn’t make sense that he’s not played more minutes. Xabi says he will use him like how Carlo talked about Brahim. Hopefully Rodrygo gets more minutes against Dortmund. He needs to play.
Arda Is Life?
Xabi Alonso: “Arda Güler must anticipate [in defense] more than react, that way you approach the match better and don’t depend on physicality.
It’s the process he has to go through. He’s doing well, and we keep pushing him to gain experience and know that he can make… pic.twitter.com/TJCY43vVY5
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 4, 2025
Xabi explains what Arda needs to do in defence. There’s no need to obsess over physicality. Arda needs to anticipate well and he will be able to pressure opponents more effectively, make interception and win more duels. He can learn all this stuff. It’s not a stretch.
“we play better with him”
Xabi Alonso: “Arda Güler has special qualities; we have to keep him close to the ball, creating plays. He has an incredible catalogue of passes and we play BETTER with him. He needs to learn and develop. Expectations are high, but we have to help him grow.” pic.twitter.com/WCL4xL7bGP
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 4, 2025
Real Madrid have a young talented midfielder who is clearly a natural playmaker. This is the long and short of it. It’s the reason he’s starting for Xabi Alonso.
No Leaders?
Tchouaméni: “Leader of the dressing room? There are no bosses in our dressing room. It doesn’t exist.” @partidazocope pic.twitter.com/0n9QwpFjq6
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 4, 2025
Every dressing room needs leaders. We saw last season what happens when there are no bosses and things are not going well. Not everyone is a leader. Leadership is distinct and necessary. “We have no leaders. We’re all the same” Is a recipe for disaster. That said, I’m certain Carvajal and Modric are the bosses in that dressing room by virtue of their seniority.
The Daily Poll
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