#madridderby

The Madrid derby never disappoints… and this one was chaos in the best way 💥

Real Madrid CF vs Atlético de Madrid ended 3-2, but the score doesn’t even capture the intensity.

A comeback, nonstop pressure, moments of brilliance, and a late red card that pushed everything to the edge.

According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are hopeful that England international Jude Bellingham will recover from a hamstring injury in time to feature in the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid later this month.

The 22-year-old midfielder suffered the injury during Real Madrid’s match against Rayo Vallecano in early February and has been sidelined ever since. As a result, he is expected to แทงบอลสด miss the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie, where Real Madrid will host Manchester City.

The club had initially hoped that Bellingham might be fit in time for the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on March 17. However, reports suggest it would be too early to risk his return. Instead, the match with Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 22 is currently viewed as the most realistic target for his comeback.

After a staggering 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid, Real finds itself under intense scrutiny. The loss has raised serious questions about Xabi Alonso’s tactics, the squad’s mental fortitude, and whether the “project” he’s building can hold up under the brightest spotlight.

The Night to Forget: Atlético’s Statement

Atlético delivered a derby performance to remember, ripping apart Madrid’s defense and exploiting every weakness. Goals from Julián Álvarez (twice), Alexander Sørloth, Robin Le Normand, and Antoine Griezmann underscored a ruthless, unified display. Real’s lead, courtesy of strikes by Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler, was short-lived. Atlético’s second-half dominance exposed how Madrid collapsed physically, tactically, and emotionally.

The margin of defeat — conceding five at home in a derby — is alarming in any era. For this edition of Real, it’s a red flag.

Tactical Stagnation & Conservative Choices

Critics weren’t just upset by the scoreline — they were frustrated by Alonso’s inaction during the match. Media pundits and former players alike noted that he failed to “find remedies” when Real was slipping, relying too heavily on his starting structure rather than adjusting midgame. Some even compared his approach to that of his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti — cautious, reactive, unwilling to break habit.

One pointed critique from commentators suggested the match felt “a bit like Ancelotti’s game,” citing predictability, lack of boldness, and a reluctance to deviate even when the system was under assault.

Substitution timing and player rotation also drew fire. Fans and analysts questioned the decision to reintroduce Jude Bellingham despite limited form and whether Alonso truly prioritized balance over reputation.

Leadership Woes & Youthful Lineups

Beyond tactics, internal voices have pointed to a deeper problem: lack of leadership on the pitch. Real Madrid insiders reportedly cited inexperience and absence of strong voices during crisis moments as contributors to the derailing.

In this match, Real’s lineup tilted young — combining Arda Güler, Álvaro Carreras, and Dean Huijsen in key roles. But without seasoned stars guiding the ship when things went south, the squad appeared rudderless. That lack of on-field direction left them vulnerable when Atlético changed pace and approach.

Jude Bellingham’s role emerged as symbolic. His return from injury was anticipated as a boost, but he failed to sway the match in Madrid’s favor — a performance some viewed as confirmation that form, not status, should guide selection.

Alonso’s Response: Owning the Defeat, Asking for Patience

In public, Alonso has not shied away from self-criticism. He’s called the performance “painful” and admitted Real Madrid lacked intensity, tactical cohesion, and rhythm. While he insists it wasn’t a problem of attitude alone, he’s pledged that the team must process the loss quickly, learn, and refocus.

He also warned against turning this result into narrative doom: “We are still defining what we want to be,” he said, acknowledging the team is in a building phase.

Heading to Almaty for the Champions League, Alonso called for restored focus and adaptability, emphasizing that travel or distance is no excuse for letting standards slip.

The Mounting Questions

Can the tactical rigidity evolve?

This defeat begged the question: is Alonso too wedded to his system? If he reacts poorly to opposition changes, the most talented lineup in Europe may repeatedly stall in big games.

Will experience be reinstated?

Madrid’s squad has youth and talent, but in moments of crisis, teams often lean into veteran presence. The absence of that voice in this game left gaps. Can Alonso balance youth with seasoned leadership?

Is momentum recoverable?

A result of this magnitude doesn’t just cost three points; it chips away at confidence. Recovering requires decisive follow-up performances, not excuses. The looming El Clásico and Champions League fixtures demand that Madrid respond visibly.

Has the honeymoon period ended?

Alonso’s tenure began with praise, energy, optimism. Now, early cracks are appearing — perhaps inevitable given the demands of Real Madrid’s environment. But the next results will be tightly scrutinized as evidence for his long-term viability.

This derby defeat has shifted the tone around Real’s season. The loss is not just a blip; it’s a challenge to the identity, structure, and credibility of a team in transition. Alonso must prove he can lead not just in calm waters, but when storms hit — because in Madrid, the toughest tests are the ones that come hardest.