Xabi Alonso devises a bold plan involving Marcus Rashford

21/10/2025 17:33:00 soccer

Ahead of the El Clasico at the Bernabeu, coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly preparing a detailed tactical strategy to neutralize Marcus Rashford — currently Barcelona’s most dangerous attacking threat.

The highly anticipated El Clasico showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona is set for October 26 at Santiago Bernabeu, promising to be one of the season’s marquee matches. Both teams are closely trailing each other in the standings. La Liga with Real Madrid leading the table on 24 points and Barcelona in second place with 22 points. This will also mark Xabi Alonso’s first El Clasico as a head coach — an opportunity he aims to seize to make his own mark in history.

Xabi understands the pressure his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti faced last season when Real Madrid lost to Barcelona four times. Therefore, the Basque tactician has spent several days studying and formulating a special plan to stop Hansi Flick’s key weapon — Marcus Rashford.

Rashford has scored 3 goals and provided 5 assists in his first 11 games this season, becoming Barcelona’s standout player

Rashford — Barcelona’s surprising summer signing — has quickly become one of La Liga’s brightest stars. The English forward has netted 3 goals and assisted 5 times in 11 matches, playing a crucial role in the fast-paced attacking style that Flick is developing. His chemistry with Pedri and young talent Lamine Yamal has made Barcelona more unpredictable and effective than ever.

According to Onda Madrid, Xabi Alonso plans a major surprise by reinstating Trent Alexander-Arnold in the starting lineup. The English full-back is in the final stages of injury recovery and might get some minutes in the Juventus match before making his official comeback in El Clasico. Xabi believes Alexander-Arnold is the “key” to locking down Rashford, as the two players are very familiar with each other from Premier League and England national team encounters.

A source from Real Madrid revealed: “Xabi believes Arnold can read Rashford better than anyone else. His understanding of Rashford’s movements allows him to anticipate dangerous situations before they happen.”

Alonso trusts that Arnold — who knows Rashford well from the England squad — can “read” his opponent best

The upcoming match promises a fascinating tactical battle between two young, ambitious coaches. Xabi Alonso aims to make his first mark with a victory in the Super Classic, while Hansi Flick wants to prove that Barcelona under his leadership is improving steadily and ready to challenge Real Madrid for the title.

For Real Madrid, the return of Alexander-Arnold combined with Kylian Mbappe’s impressive form provides solid confidence. Meanwhile, Barcelona relies on Rashford’s speed and explosiveness alongside Pedri’s creativity to break through Madrid’s defense.

Santiago Bernabeu will shine once again as both teams enter a showdown that could decide the top spot. This El Clasico is not only a battle between Spain’s two giants but also a duel of two young, ambitious minds — Xabi Alonso and Hansi Flick. All eyes will be on the clash between Rashford and Alexander-Arnold — a contest that could determine the fate of the season for both sides.

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