The most obvious lesson Alonso learned against PSG was a front three of Kylian Mbappé, Gonzalo García and Vinícius Júnior does not work. After only starting two forwards in Real Madrid’s five consecutive victories in the Club World Cup, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss gave the nod to the three attackers in a head-scratching decision.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso believes that more signings are necessary in order to compete at the top level next season, following the opening six games of his tenure. The Basque coach noted that

Xabi Alonso's early tenure as Real Madrid manager hit a jarring note on the international stage, as Los Blancos were dismantled 4-0 by PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final - a result that showed the growing chasm between his side and Europe's elite.