Monster Caicedo holds key to Chelsea's slim CWC hopes

Wiegman has found Lionesses' winning formula

Chelsea's teen attacking talent who could save Blues millions

All-rounder Russo doesn't need goals to shine for Lionesses

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Editors' Picks

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Pachuca vs Salzburg: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Monterrey vs Inter: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Seat Unique names founding partner of Hill Dickinson Stadium 

Man City outcast Walker reassured over pace questions & future

Newlyweds Dyer & Bowen do not fear famous Strictly ‘curse’

Man City warned off transfer gamble on free agent Pogba 

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Real Madrid in crisis after PSG humbling</li><li>Alonso to make tough calls to fix the situation</li><li>Likely to favour Mbappe over Vinicius</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Real Madrid ready to choose between Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr as Xabi Alonso plots rebuild

<p>Mbappe’s move to Madrid last summer, following the expiration of his PSG contract, was expected to elevate Los Blancos to greater heights. However, the opposite appears to have happened. While PSG has flourished since his departure, Real have stumbled, sparking concerns that the Frenchman’s presence has disrupted squad harmony, particularly with Vinicius. The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/accept-their-flaws-xabi-alonso-warned-by-ex-spain-boss-he-could-mess-things-up-with-kylian-mbappe-and-vinicius-jr-if-real-madrid-coach-demands-star-forwards-defend/blt68366236aafc499b" target="_blank">duo often appeared disconnected</a> on the pitch, while off it, tensions have allegedly been brewing. <em>Sport</em> suggests that both players have been criticised for their effort and attitude, with the Club World Cup semifinal serving as the latest example of their<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/video-kylian-mbappe-roasted-442oons-real-madrid-defeat-psg/blt08879894592ddae6" target="_blank"> lackadaisical attitude while pressing. </a></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>After the defeat, Alonso echoed Carlo Ancelotti's frustrations with what he viewed as a lack of collective discipline and hunger, two traits that once defined Real’s identity. The Spaniard has inherited a fractured dressing room and a squad that seems to have lost its competitive edge. The data from this season paints a dire picture: 68 matches played, 15 defeats, and 84 goals conceded, matching the club’s worst-ever defensive record, set in 1998–99. Moreover, embarrassing defeats to Barcelona, PSG, Liverpool, and Arsenal have only highlighted the scale of the decline.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In response, club president Florentino Perez has given Alonso full authority to reshape the team and take <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/real-madrid-xabi-alonso-showdown-talks-vinicius-junior-kylian-mbappe-work-rate-club-world-cup-psg/bltd52d3cb4bc04fc5d" target="_blank">decisive steps in evaluating and overhauling the squad.</a> This includes one-on-one meetings with every player to assess their mindset and commitment. At the top of this list is Vinicius Jr.</p><p>The Brazilian’s conduct during the Club World Cup defeat has raised eyebrows. As <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/psg-pummelling-real-madrid-galacticos-miles-behind-europe-elite-xabi-alonso-huge-job-turn-blancos-around/blt228a5cdd072f48f2" target="_blank">Madrid trailed 3-0</a>, Vinicius was seen laughing on the bench, a moment that reportedly infuriated the club’s hierarchy. While Real had been working on extending his contract beyond 2027, that process is now in doubt as the Brazilian has hit pause on renewal discussions. If there’s no significant change in his attitude, the club may consider parting ways.</p>

TELL ME MORE

<p>In contrast, Mbappe appears to have stronger backing from Perez. Given the club’s seven-year pursuit of the Frenchman, it’s not surprising that the president remains firmly in his corner. And if Real are forced to choose between the two, the club would prefer to build around Mbappe.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Despite the friction, Alonso is expected to try and find a way to make the partnership work. Both Mbappe and Vinicius are among the most electrifying attacking talents in world football, and the ideal scenario would see them thrive together. However, finding the right tactical setup, one that balances their strengths while maintaining team structure, will be a massive challenge. The club legend has got a month to find the right combination before Real begin their La Liga campaign against Osasuna on August 19 at the Santiago Bernabeu.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID & XABI ALONSO?

Real Madrid ready to choose between Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr as Xabi Alonso plots rebuild | Goal.com

Real Madrid suffered a massive defeat during their Club World Cup semifinal to Paris Saint-Germain, a match that not only confirmed their struggles on the pitch but also amplified tensions within the squad as internal discord between the two biggest names, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., became evident. According to Sport, Xabi Alonso will now choose between the two superstars, with the odds favouring the Frenchman.