Despite having the Club World Cup final against Chelsea as their main objective, Real Madrid faced a much superior Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals and fell by a resounding 4-0, being left with almost no options throughout the match.
After the tough defeat, the repercussions did not take long to arrive and one of the most anticipated reactions was that of El Chiringuito de Jugones. Josep Pedrerol, the host of the program, was very critical of Xabi Alonso's team.
"A team with players who do not even run," he stated. "Minute 9, 2-0, it changes the match for you, but when PSG substituted four key starters... and in the second half they continued to be superior to Real Madrid," he added.
El 2-0 tempranero dejó en evidencia las carencias del Real
"That is concerning. It is concerning that the defenders fail, it is concerning to have a midfield that doesn't work...", he continued, also pointing out criticism of Mbappé for losing against his former team and questioning Vinícius's contract renewal: "Before renewing him, there needs to be a conversation. Is he motivated to continue at Madrid?" Nevertheless, he closed with a gesture of support for his coach: "Xabi, stay strong."
Mbappe y Vinicius, los principales apuntados
The criticism continued among the panelists. "This is the end of an era for a great team that has become old, both physically and mentally," Paco Buyo opined. Cristóbal Soria was also forceful: "Who do you not single out? I believe almost everyone should be singled out, except for Valverde and Courtois, including Xabi Alonso."
Valverde y Courtouis los únicos rescatables
In the face of so much harshness, Jorge D’Alessandro wanted to leave a more optimistic message: "A moment for reflection, calm, prudence, diagnosis. This has just begun and, if you ask me, it has been the best thing that could have happened to have a better Madrid," reflected the Argentine former coach.
