Three Questions and Answers Following Real Madrid's Defeat to Barcelona

In an exhilarating Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid faced a narrow 3-2 loss to Barcelona, prompting reflections on key issues surrounding the match. Here are three significant inquiries and insights:

1. What Impact Will This Have on Xabi Alonso’s Job Security?
   With reports suggesting that Alonso could have faced dismissal had Madrid lost, the pressure remains high. While this defeat wasn’t catastrophic, it adds to the scrutiny of his management. Nonetheless, the upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining his future at the club.

2. Was Substituting Gonzalo García a Misstep?
   García, who contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, was taken off, leaving Madrid's attack noticeably less effective. The decision to replace him may have diminished the team's offensive threat, as they struggled to maintain the momentum built during his time on the pitch.

3. Can Set-Piece Strategy Be a Positive Moving Forward?
   One silver lining from the match was Rodrygo’s growing influence on set pieces, an area where Real Madrid has recently shown improvement. With fresh options like García in the lineup, enhancing their set-piece execution could provide a crucial advantage in upcoming matches, especially against less formidable opponents.

As Real Madrid transitions from this defeat, addressing these questions will be critical in reviving their title hopes for the remainder of the season.