Admitting his mistake, Xabi Alonso apologizes directly to a Real Madrid player

Real Madrid lost 2-5 against Atletico, with coach Xabi Alonso admitting a mistake in taking Arda Guler off the field, while also apologizing to the promising youngster following his standout display.

The Madrid derby at the Metropolitano turned into a nightmare for Real Madrid as they were heavily defeated 2-5 by their rivals Atletico. Not only the result but the manner of the loss left a deep impact in the dressing room.

Amidst heavy criticism, coach Xabi Alonso openly accepted fault for his substitution decision and personally apologized to Arda Guler, who was seen as one of the few bright spots in the Royal team's gloomy performance.

According to DefensaCentral, Alonso confessed after the match that he “probably made a mistake” taking Guler off. The young Turkish midfielder had not only scored but also assisted Kylian Mbappe, being the only player to break through Atletico’s tight defense and intense pressing. “Maybe I shouldn’t have substituted him”, Alonso spoke to Guler after the final whistle.

This admission shows Alonso’s honesty and self-critical spirit, which is not always common in the harsh environment of Real Madrid. The heavy defeat cannot be covered up by refereeing controversies or external factors; it reflects structural and collective issues, from squad depth to game tempo and the ability to maintain intensity in a top-level match.

While Real Madrid delivered a lackluster performance, Guler stood out with his creativity. The 20-year-old has scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists since the start of LaLiga, and against Atletico, he once again proved himself as a player who can make a difference.

Not only does he confidently control and pass the ball intelligently, but Guler also possesses the technical skills to create space for teammates to exploit. This is why Alonso, despite admitting his error, emphasized that Guler will remain a key figure in the long-term plans.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid played an almost flawless match. From the early minutes, Diego Simeone’s team imposed a strong, direct, and effective style that Real could not adapt to. Fast combinations and full-pitch pressing suffocated the opponent’s midfield. The 5-2 scoreline accurately reflected that dominance.

This defeat raises many questions for Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso. With a squad full of talent, expectations are high for competing for major titles. However, the loss to Atletico exposed vulnerabilities that Alonso must quickly address.

The self-criticism and apology to Guler might be a positive sign, but more importantly, the Spanish strategist must prove his capability to bring Real Madrid back on the path to victory.