Europa Press, E-Noticies No one expected what Xabi Alonso did in el Clásico, the surprise was complete
The first half of El Clásico has been thrilling, and Xabi Alonso has been the protagonist
El Clásico has once again brought the world of soccer to a standstill. Bernabéu is serving as the stage for a match full of excitement, tension, and talent in which Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are playing for much more than three points. Both teams have arrived with numerous absences, which has forced Hansi Flick and Xabi Alonso to move pieces to keep competitiveness.
El Clásico never disappoints
From the very first minute, the match has been a true whirlwind. In the 2nd minute, Lamine Yamal brought down Vinícius Júnior inside the box and Soto Grado didn't hesitate to award a penalty. However, the VAR intervention ended up correcting the initial decision, saving Barça from a punishment that seemed inevitable.
The pace didn't drop and chances kept coming at both ends. Shortly after, Kylian Mbappé scored a goal that made Bernabéu erupt, but once again VAR stepped in.
The Frenchman was in an offside position by just a few centimeters (cm), which disallowed the 1-0 and increased the tension in the atmosphere. Still, minutes later he didn't miss and, after a brilliant pass from Bellingham, beat Szczesny. Only a mistake from Madrid right before halftime gives hope to the culé team, who equalized with a goal from Fermín before Jude Bellingham's 2-1.
Xabi Alonso delivers the surprise
Despite the intensity and controversies, the main protagonist of the match is Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid's coach has surprised everyone with a completely unexpected decision that very few had predicted before the match. Against all odds, he left Franco Mastantuono out of the starting eleven to go with Eduardo Camavinga from the start.
The choice has caused surprise even within the white locker room itself. Mastantuono had been an undisputed starter and one of the season's biggest sensations, but Xabi has chosen to strengthen the midfield in response to Barça's technical quality. His idea was to gain solidity and control in the middle, preventing Pedri and Frenkie de Jong from dictating the pace of the game.
Eduardo Camavinga delivers with flying colors
So far, the gamble is working out perfectly. Eduardo Camavinga is having a sensational first half, combining physical deployment with great tactical awareness. His work alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni has allowed Madrid to balance the match and press in an organized way when recovering the ball.
Eduardo Camavinga is not only delivering, but he's also one of the most outstanding players on the field. He has intercepted several dangerous balls, has played out with composure, and has shown the personality expected from a footballer of his talent. Xabi Alonso, true to his philosophy, has asked him to read the game intelligently, and the Frenchman is responding brilliantly.
The Basque coach is showing that he doesn't fear making bold decisions on the biggest stages. With Eduardo Camavinga in the starting eleven, Real Madrid has gained muscle, balance, and presence in the center of the field. Nobody expected this surprise, but El Clásico has once again made it clear that Xabi Alonso always has a move prepared.
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