Real Madrid wins, but Xabi Alonso is left without center backs: 'Ko for Girona'

Real Madrid achieved a hugely valuable victory against Olympiacos in a match they absolutely needed to win. Beyond the result, it was essential to stop the negative trend of recent weeks, marked by unexpected setbacks and an increasingly tense atmosphere. Xabi Alonso's team replied with a brilliant attacking performance, led by Mbappé's four goals and a very incisive version of Vinícius.

However, the 4-3 win also exposed a worrying defensive fragility. Olympiacos, with very few footballing arguments, was able to expose all of Real Madrid's flaws without needing any great displays. Every attack from the Greek team caused insecurity, especially in the center-back pairing that Xabi Alonso had to field: Raúl Asencio and Álvaro Carreras.

Xabi Alonso no longer knows what to do

Álvaro Carreras, who had already shown more than enough that his best version appears at full-back, suffered again playing in the heart of the defense. His positioning and defensive reading problems were very evident in several dangerous actions from Olympiacos. Raúl Asencio, meanwhile, showed courage and personality, but also made it clear that he's still in the learning phase to establish himself at the top level.

The big problem for Xabi Alonso is that, as of today, he doesn't have any more available alternatives. Real Madrid's infirmary is full of defenders: Militao, Rüdiger, Huijsen, and Alaba couldn't play against Olympiacos, and they also won't be available against Girona. But there's more, because looking ahead to Sunday's league match, Raúl Asencio is doubtful.

Raúl Asencio finished the Olympiacos-Real Madrid match injured

Raúl Asencio finished the match against Olympiacos clearly injured. The youth player asked to be substituted during the final stretch and Xabi Alonso decided it was best to take him off the field. The first examinations aren't very encouraging, and the defender is a serious doubt to face Girona on Sunday at Montilivi.

Without Raúl Asencio, Xabi Alonso will be forced to move Tchouaméni back to play at center-back alongside Carreras. It's an emergency solution that he's already used on other occasions, but it doesn't convince either the coaching staff or the locker room itself. The Frenchman performs much better as a pivot, and his move directly affects the team's balance.

This way, Real Madrid return from Greece with the much-desired three points, but also with a major concern. Raúl Asencio is doubtful for the match against Girona, so the next few hours will be crucial to determine the extent of his injury. Without Asencio, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Militao, and Alaba, Xabi Alonso will have to come up with a makeshift defense with Tchouaméni and Carreras as center-backs.