Florentino Pérez was asking for a solution and Xabi Alonso has given it to him: 'it's not a signing...'

The classic between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid left deep scars. What began as a match that promised tension turned into a resounding defeat for Los Blancos, who left the Metropolitano with a painful 5-2 in favor of Atlético.

It was one of those defeats that mark a turning point, not only on the scoreboard but also in the internal dynamics of the locker room.

Real Madrid's shortcomings were laid bare: defensive lapses, lack of collective support, and little ability to react to Atlético's attacks.

The mistakes were numerous and serious, and the team suffered from them match after match. The feeling was one of helplessness.

According to some reports, Florentino Pérez had taken note of that chaos. His vision is clear: "the solution isn't to sign players, but to step up and play with intensity."

That phrase has circulated through the club's hallways as a mantra for this difficult stretch.

The video that awakened the group

That message from Florentino Pérez had an effect. Xabi Alonso, as the responsible coach, didn't sit idly by. It is said that he prepared a video of about five minutes compiling the mistakes from the classic.

This would contain footage of poorly defended transitions, individual lapses, and moments when the team succumbed to Atlético's pressure.

The intention is for that video to serve as an instant corrective: visual elements that no one can deny and that force self-criticism. Sometimes, seeing your own mistakes portrayed helps more than words.

From that moment, the attitude in training changed. A more demanding tone was perceived: stronger jumps, more intense tracking back, higher demands in playing out from the back, and a high tempo in pressing. The squad picked up the challenge.

Within the group, the message is clear

For Xabi, there is no room for triumphalism or excuses. The coach knows that the squad has more than enough quality, but also that the most dangerous deficit is physical and collective character.

That defeat served as a wake-up call for him. Changing the mentality means being more aggressive without the ball, firmer in every duel, and less permissive with unnecessary turnovers.

The criticism isn't directed only at the new or young players, but at everyone: veterans included. No one is exempt from responsibility. At the club, they understand that on Sundays, tactical excuses don't count if intensity is lacking.

A necessary turnaround

The classic was traumatic, yes. But in professional environments, the truly damaging defeats are those that aren't used as an opportunity to resign. Xabi Alonso has already taken note, and so has the club.

The message now is clear: improve from within, raise the bar of demands, and make sure the next fall isn't the same.

The squad knows there won't be any more margin for error. Those who understand that first will be part of the rebuilding Madrid needs.