Xabi Alonso must fix one of Real Madrid’s biggest tactical problems | OneFootball

Real Madrid endured a rather underwhelming 2024/25 season, failing to win a major trophy, with the team’s performance letting down, eventually leading to Carlo Ancelotti’s departure.

One recurring tactical flaw stood out throughout the season for Los Blancos: defending set-pieces, particularly corners.

It cost them points, momentum, and in a title race decided by fine margins, it may have been the difference between finishing first or second.

Across key fixtures, Real Madrid’s vulnerability at defending corners was exposed – not by spectacular strikes or well-drilled routines, but by a much simpler, avoidable issue: poor marking assignments.

The notable mistakes

On the opening day of the season, Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Son Moix. The equaliser came from Vedat Muriqi – a towering presence in the box and Mallorca’s primary aerial threat. Surprising, it was Kylian Mbappe who was tasked with marking him.

Kylian Mbappe marking Vedat Muriqi

While brilliant going forward, Mbappe is hardly known for his aerial ability, nor is he a defender. Muriqi easily peeled off him as the corner was taken and nodded in the goal. Simple. Preventable.

Fast forward to a Champions League group clash at Anfield. Real Madrid went down 2-0 to Liverpool, with Cody Gakpo scoring the second – another header, another mismatch.

This time it was Luka Modric, 174cm tall and at 38 years old, assigned to mark Gakpo, the tallest outfield player on the pitch at 193cm. Predictably, the Dutchman won the duel.

Gakpo beating Modric in the air to score for Liverpool.

Later in the season at the Benito Villamarin, the same issue reared its head. Real Madrid had taken an early lead, but conceded from yet another corner.

Johnny Cardoso (182cm) met the ball unchallenged – once again, Modric was the assigned marker. This time, the veteran star did not even jump. The Betis man had a free header and made it count. Real Madrid went on to lose 2-1.

Modric failing to stop Cardoso against Betis.

The cost of poor marking

These were not isolated errors – Real Madrid conceded from corners against teams like Valencia, Real Betis, Villarreal and Real Sociedad (Copa del Rey).

Thibaut Courtois even admitted that it was a weakness for the team ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal – a team who excelled from scoring from corners.

They formed a pattern: a fundamental breakdown in defensive organisation during set-pieces. And the cost? Massive.

If Real Madrid had avoided conceding those goals, they may have had a chance to end the season as La Liga champions ahead of Barcelona. That is how thin the margins are at the top of Spanish football.

Real Madrid ended the La Liga season with their highest tally of goals conceded from corners since 2017/18.

Enter Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso has some major issues to address. (Photo by Sandra Montanez/Getty Images)

As Xabi Alonso prepares to take the reins, one of his first fixes must be this: improve Real Madrid’s corner defending.

It is all about clarity in roles, sensible match-ups, and attention to detail. Aerial duels are battles of timing, positioning, and awareness – all areas Alonso, as a tactically sharp manager, has already shown he values.

With the talent Real Madrid boast, this should not be a problem that persists. But it needs addressing.

If Los Blancos want to return to the top, they will need to defend corners like a team aiming for the treble – not one gifting free headers.