Xabi Alonso hints near full‑strength Real Madrid XI ahead of El Clásico: “You’ll see tomorrow”

Xabi Alonso has declared he already has Real Madrid’s starting XI in mind and that “almost all” players are available, teasing a near full‑strength setup for tomorrow’s El Clásico. The remark instantly ignited debate among supporters: many demand Rodrygo start, others warn against overcomplicating the plan, and some plead for pragmatic choices in midfield. With Barcelona looming, the focus turns to how Alonso balances star power and structure—especially around Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Bellingham—while leveraging returning fitness at the back and in goal. Expect a disciplined shape, quick transitions, and selection calls that could decide the night.

On the eve of a marquee Clásico in Spain, Xabi Alonso told reporters he has settled on his starting XI and that the squad is close to full availability, hinting that several key names are fit enough to feature. The comments arrive just before a high‑stakes meeting with Barcelona, where selection clarity and player freshness are expected to play a decisive role. The timing and tone suggest confidence in both tactical preparation and the fitness picture across the dressing room.

🚨 Xabi Alonso: “I have the starting XI in mind, we have almost all the players back. You’ll see tomorrow.”

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

Alonso’s assurance that “almost all” players are back is a major competitive lever in a match where margins are notoriously slim. A near full‑strength Real Madrid unlocks the high‑ceiling trident of Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Bellingham without compromising the team’s rest defense. If Courtois is indeed ready to anchor the back line, Madrid gain elite shot-stopping and calmer distribution under pressure, which matters against Barcelona’s high press and positional rotations.

The biggest selection hinge lies on the right flank and midfield structure. Opting for Rodrygo as a natural right‑sider stretches the pitch, creates diagonal lanes for Bellingham’s second‑line arrivals, and frees Vinícius to isolate his marker. In midfield, a Tchouaméni anchor with Valverde and Camavinga as dynamic interiors preserves balance in both transitions and restarts. That trio also supports aggressive counter‑pressing after turnovers—a proven Clásico differentiator.

Defensively, pairing a pacey center‑back with a dominant duelist helps absorb Barcelona’s vertical entries while allowing full‑backs to step into midfield. If Alonso goes 4‑3‑3, Madrid can pin both flanks and attack Barca’s half‑spaces; if he chooses a box‑midfield variation, the goal will be to overload central corridors and deny Barca clean access to interior playmakers. Either way, the “almost all back” message signals tactical flexibility and the ability to tailor in‑game adjustments—precisely what often swings El Clásico.

Reaction

Fan sentiment split quickly into two camps: the “keep it simple” crowd and the “unleash all the stars” contingent. The former begs Alonso not to overcomplicate—citing past big‑game lineups that traded fluency for caution. Their mantra: stick with chemistry, let the core deliver. The latter is all about firepower: start the full attacking cast and put the game beyond doubt early, with some asking—loudly—that Rodrygo “has to start” to balance Vinícius and Mbappé.

Others urged pragmatism: no “reckless” selections, a solid four‑man midfield shape in defensive phases, and a back line that can cope with Barcelona’s wide rotations. A few playful barbs flew both ways—some Madridistas warning “be ready” to Barcelona, others bracing for Barca to “cook” Madrid if the XI misfires. There was even the usual pre‑Clásico confusion, with one commenter addressing “Xavi,” underscoring how noisy these build‑ups get. Overall, the mood is bullish but wary: confidence in the stars, coupled with a plea for balance, control, and clarity in the final third.

Social reactions

But don't do reckless squad man we need that win

Galacticos (@Madridfan__)

Translation: I have a plan… but half of it depends on who actually shows up

Abdul Qayyum (@0xaq_)

Be ready Varcelona😶‍🌫️

RICCH (@Lordlistowell0)

Prediction

Projection: Alonso leans into clarity. A 4‑3‑3 with Rodrygo on the right offers the cleanest spacing—Vinícius left to isolate and accelerate, Mbappé central as the depth threat and wall‑pass outlet, and Bellingham driving late into the box from an advanced interior role. Behind them, Tchouaméni screens, with Valverde’s range and Camavinga’s press-resistance managing tempo shifts. Full‑backs stay measured to protect transitions, stepping in selectively when Madrid establish territory.

If Madrid score first, expect controlled aggression: compress the middle, trigger counters through Vinícius, and use Mbappé’s gravity to create back‑post lanes for Rodrygo. If Barcelona strike early, Madrid’s response likely involves quicker verticality and Bellingham’s second‑phase runs. Key swing factors: Courtois’ high‑leverage saves, Valverde’s two‑way coverage, and set‑piece execution on both ends.

Scoreline scenarios tilt narrow. Madrid 2–1 Barcelona is the median call, with a late goal from a second‑line runner deciding it. A draw remains possible if Barcelona smother wide isolations and force Madrid into low‑value crosses. Either way, Alonso’s “almost all back” hint suggests depth for decisive substitutions after 70’—a potential match‑winner in itself.

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Conclusion

Alonso’s brief but pointed update does two things: it calms a dressing room that thrives on role clarity and energizes a fan base living for statement nights. With fitness trending up, Madrid can commit to a structure that magnifies their stars without sacrificing compactness. The tactical throughline remains simple: stretch the width, own the half‑spaces, and trust the midfield engine to close the back door.

In games of this magnitude, the first 20 minutes matter—field position, press triggers, and who lands the first combination in the final third. But the bench may matter even more; the coach with the stronger minute‑65 plan usually wins El Clásico’s fine margins. Madrid appear positioned to have that plan. If execution matches the options Alonso now seems to have, the promise of a near full‑strength XI could translate into a night that shapes the title race.