A crucial week awaits Real Madrid as they prepare for back-to-back duels with Juventus and Barcelona. Cricket Exchange revealed that new manager Xabi Alonso, who rebuilt his squad’s defensive core over the summer, is facing mounting pressure due to recurring injuries. Those reinforcements were meant to fix long-standing cracks in the back line, yet early setbacks have complicated his vision for a cohesive and trophy-ready team.
Local Spanish reports suggest several first-team regulars are close to returning just in time for this decisive stretch. Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to feature against Juventus, while Dani Carvajal’s comeback is likely to arrive in the high-stakes El Clásico. Their return could finally restore balance to a defense that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks. For Alonso, whose tactical approach relies heavily on quick transitions and disciplined positioning, that stability could make or break his next two matches.
The situation at center-back remains tricky. David Alaba’s injury keeps him sidelined, while Waisen’s fitness problems continue to limit options. This leaves only Éder Militão, Eric García, and youngster Marco Asensio as available defenders. Alonso must carefully rotate his lineup to avoid fatigue and mistakes, especially with both the Champions League and La Liga standings hanging in the balance. Every substitution could prove decisive when facing opponents of Juventus’ and Barcelona’s caliber.
Midfield reinforcements may arrive just in time as Dani Ceballos edges toward full recovery. Although not yet training at full intensity, insiders believe he could return to the squad within days. Should both full-backs regain fitness, Real Madrid would regain the freedom to press higher and attack more fluidly. Federico Valverde can also adapt to a defensive role if required, giving Alonso more tactical flexibility during this demanding run.
Cricket Exchange pointed out that these two matches will reveal whether Real Madrid can transform potential into consistency. Alonso is known for bold ideas, but results must now match ambition. A single slip could derail weeks of progress, while two strong performances could ignite a title push across all competitions.
Ultimately, the spotlight falls on Kylian Mbappé. His pace and finishing have been Real Madrid’s lifeline, and if the defense can hold firm, his scoring streak could continue to define the season. This period might well shape not just Mbappé’s chase for the Golden Boot but also Real Madrid’s return to dominance. With players healing and momentum returning, Cricket Exchange believes the next seven days could mark the true beginning of Alonso’s era at the Bernabéu.