Xabi Shakes Up Real Madrid Lineup, President Perez Reacts Surprisingly
Xabi Alonso caused a stir with Real Madrid’s starting XI in their 3-0 win over Oviedo, as Vinicius and Trent Alexander-Arnold were pushed to the bench, while Rodrygo and Carvajal returned to the squad.
Ahead of the trip to Oviedo, Xabi Alonso urged the team to maintain their winning momentum in the opening rounds of La Liga 2025/26. To add determination, the Real Madrid boss made bold choices with his starting eleven.
Xabi Alonso makes a “revolution” with Real Madrid’s lineup in the 3-0 victory over Oviedo. (Photo: RM)
The decision was described as “a Real Madrid starting XI against Oviedo that surprised both insiders and outsiders — including President Florentino Perez himself.”
The lineup featured: Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé and Rodrygo. The standout changes included Vinicius being benched to give Rodrygo a chance, captain Carvajal reclaiming his spot from Trent Alexander-Arnold, and young talent Mastantuono earning a start after impressing in the opening match against Osasuna.
President Perez was reported to have said upon seeing the starting XI:
“It’s time for rotation. He (Xabi Alonso) has all the qualities to succeed as Real Madrid’s head coach. I trust him.”
📸 Mbappé shines at the start of the season, scoring 3 goals in 2 matches. (Photo: RM)
As for Xabi, he simply explained his choices:
“In football, decisions are always made for the good of the team. Changes in Real Madrid’s lineup depend on what we need tactically, the workload, and the opponent.
I want all players to feel important and ready to step onto the pitch at any moment. This is vital for the challenging season ahead.”
Xabi’s message was clear: no one is guaranteed a spot — everyone can be replaced. Rodrygo, who started and played 63 minutes, showed frustration when subbed off for Vinicius, who went on to assist Mbappé’s goal and then sealed the 3-0 win himself.
Speaking about Mbappé, who already has 3 goals in 2 games, Xabi said:
“I see him extremely focused, energetic, and inspiring the whole team. Mbappé has done everything right, just like in the opening game against Osasuna.”
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