Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid have started the LaLiga EA Sports season in dominant fashion. Two straight wins and no goals conceded mark a historic beginning for the club, which hadn’t managed back-to-back clean sheets to open the league since a decade ago, when Spanish coach Rafa Benítez achieved it in 2015.

Solid defense, the key to Xabi Alonso’s project

Xabi Alonso’s first official outing at the Santiago Bernabéu ended with a narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna. In the second matchday, the team’s return to the Carlos Tartiere after 24 years brought a convincing 3-0 victory against Real Oviedo. Both games showcased the defensive improvement of a side that now presses higher and wins the ball back more frequently in the opponent’s half.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hardly been troubled, though he produced a decisive save in Oviedo that could have changed the match. The team’s compact shape and disciplined marking have made it increasingly difficult for rivals to create chances.

A record that challenges recent history

The last time Madrid opened the league without conceding was in the 2015/16 season under Benítez. Back then, the club strung together four consecutive clean sheets before Sabin Merino ended the streak at San Mamés. Now, Xabi Alonso’s immediate goal is to surpass that benchmark, with Mallorca visiting the Bernabéu on matchday three.

The Basque coach emphasized the collective work and the importance of every player: “I want everyone to feel important. We have a demanding season ahead, and we need each player ready to perform.” Even stars like Vinícius Jr., benched in Oviedo, responded decisively when called upon and contributed to the scoreline.

Dressing room convinced by the new path

The mood inside the squad has also been positive. Courtois underlined that the team is “defending very seriously,” which he believes is the foundation for many victories. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso praised the commitment of players such as Kylian Mbappé, who is increasingly contributing on the defensive side.

With six points from six and a defensive system beginning to set them apart, Real Madrid are enjoying one of their strongest starts in recent years. Defensive solidity combined with attacking firepower has fueled early optimism, with the added incentive of chasing down historical records.