With the clock ticking down to Real Madrid’s clash with Pachuca, Xabi Alonso is under pressure to find solutions to his team’s previous underwhelming performance.
For the first time in four years, Real Madrid kicked off a match without Carlo Ancelotti in charge. Los Blancos took on Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium with Alonso on the touchline, but they only managed an uninspiring 1–1 draw.
There were some bright spots in Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup opener, including the impressive debut of Dean Huijsen and Gonzalo García’s breakout performance. Yet the Spanish giants were still plagued by many of the same issues that prevented them from winning a major trophy last season.
Alonso now has the responsibility to turn Real Madrid around before his new side takes on Pachuca at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, June 22.
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Here's a look at four ways Alonso could improve Los Blancos’ chances of securing their first FIFA Club World Cup victory.






