Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid’s head coach has hit its first major hurdle, just days into his debut at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. A disappointing 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal exposed the early cracks in the Spanish giant’s new project, marked by the absence of Kylian Mbappé and the poor form of Vinicius Junior, who failed to deliver in a moment of need.

Mbappé’s Absence Hits Hard

The French superstar was ruled out due to an acute case of gastroenteritis, and was later hospitalized. With no clear return date, Mbappé's absence leaves a massive gap in the squad—especially considering he was expected to lead Madrid’s attack in this new era.

Without him, Madrid’s frontline lacked sharpness and threat, forcing Alonso to reshuffle his plans from the very first match.

Vinicius Under Pressure

With Mbappé sidelined, the responsibility naturally fell to Vinicius Jr., but the Brazilian delivered a lackluster performance against Al-Hilal. He was neutralized by the Saudi defense, struggled to beat his markers, and failed to create danger from the flanks.

His ineffective display triggered immediate criticism from fans and pundits, raising concerns about his current form and confidence. For Xabi Alonso, this adds a psychological challenge: rebuilding the momentum of a player who was once a key figure in Madrid’s success.

A Costly Draw in Group H

The 1-1 draw left Real Madrid with no room for error in the group stage. Despite having two matches left to play, the result was a major blow—not just due to the scoreline, but because of the uninspiring performance. The only bright spot was a goal from academy product Gonzalo García, who filled in admirably for the missing stars.

Madrid’s next match against Pachuca will be crucial—not just for advancing in the tournament, but for Xabi Alonso’s credibility as head coach. With expectations sky-high and pressure mounting, the young manager will need to show tactical adaptability and leadership in the face of adversity.