Winning Doesn’t Mean Perfect — And Real Madrid Learned That the Hard Way
5 Harsh Lessons Los Blancos Must Learn After Their 3–1 Win
Sure, the scoreline reads Real Madrid 3–1 Villarreal, and yes, Vinícius Júnior was unplayable. But if you think that means all is well at the Bernabéu, think again. Beneath the goals, there were cracks — tactical, mental, and structural — that a sharper opponent would have punished.
Let’s be honest: Villarreal were reduced to 10 men, and Courtois had to save Madrid from embarrassment in the first half. So while Madrid took back the top spot in La Liga, they also left with a list of lessons Xabi Alonso can’t afford to ignore.
Here are the five biggest takeaways from Real Madrid vs Villarreal.
1. The Midfield Still Lacks Balance
For all the technical brilliance in Madrid’s midfield, the chemistry still feels off. Starting Dani Ceballos over Jude Bellingham was a tactical experiment — one that looked more like overthinking than innovation.
The first half was slow, predictable, and rigid. Villarreal’s midfield pressed in waves, and Madrid couldn’t find vertical passes to unlock the low block. It wasn’t until Camavinga and Bellingham came on that the tempo changed and Madrid regained control.
If Alonso wants fluidity, he needs to accept that possession for possession’s sake isn’t enough. Madrid play their best football when their midfielders take risks, not when they recycle passes sideways.
2. Fede Valverde at Right-Back Works — But It’s a Temporary Fix
Let’s give credit where it’s due: Valverde at right-back looked solid. His work rate, vision, and discipline helped Madrid maintain shape while contributing to build-up play.
But let’s not pretend this is a long-term solution. The Uruguayan’s natural instincts are central, not defensive. His attacking overlaps created width, yes — but his positioning could become a liability against teams that counter fast.
When Trent Alexander-Arnold or Dani Carvajal return, Valverde needs to move back into midfield, where his energy and leadership make the real difference. This experiment worked against Villarreal — it won’t against Barcelona or Juventus.
3. Real Madrid Still Struggle to Break Down Low Blocks
It’s the same old story: Real Madrid dominate possession, create half-chances, and look frustrated until individual brilliance saves the day. Against Villarreal’s low defensive line, Madrid’s patterns were painfully predictable.
There’s a lack of coordinated movement off the ball — especially between Mbappé and Vinícius. Both want to attack the same zones, and when that happens, the space clogs up. The result? Madrid rely on moments, not systems.
As one fan put it on Reddit:
“Mbappé and Vini can’t both be the hero every time. Someone’s got to create chaos off the ball.”
Alonso must find a tactical blueprint that lets them complement each other, not compete for the same spotlight.
4. The Bench Changed the Game — Again
When Bellingham and Camavinga entered the pitch, Madrid suddenly looked like a completely different team. Energy. Urgency. Intent. These two flipped the script in ten minutes.
That’s the good news. The bad news? It keeps happening. Madrid can’t rely on their substitutes to rescue games. If your best football consistently starts after the 60th minute, it’s a sign that the lineup or the tactical setup isn’t right from the beginning.
Alonso’s squad rotation makes sense with the congested schedule, but Real Madrid need to start matches with the same fire they finish with. Otherwise, elite teams will punish them before they ever get a chance to react.
5. Mbappé’s Fitness Is Non-Negotiable
Here’s the headline every Madrid fan dreaded: Mbappé limped off with an ankle injury. The Frenchman has been carrying this team offensively — 18 of Madrid’s last 30 league goals involve him.
But that’s exactly the problem. Madrid’s attack is too Mbappé-dependent. When he’s firing, everything clicks. When he’s out, the system creaks. Even Vinícius’ brilliance can’t fully mask how reliant this team has become on Mbappé’s directness and finishing.
Lesson learned? Build a system that thrives with Mbappé, not one that collapses without him. Because the season is long, and Madrid can’t afford another collapse when injuries strike.
The Bottom Line: A Win with Warnings
Real Madrid vs Villarreal was a much-needed response after the derby disaster. But while the three points look great in the standings, the performance still raised eyebrows.
Alonso’s Madrid are elite on paper but inconsistent on the pitch — a mix of brilliance and chaos that makes every match a rollercoaster. If they can fix their early-game lethargy, balance their midfield, and reduce their reliance on individual magic, they’ll look like genuine Champions League contenders again.
Until then, the scoreline flatters them. The message from the Bernabéu faithful is clear:
enjoy the win, but fix the flaws.