Player Earns Praise Despite Derby Humiliation – Pundits Slam Xabi Alonso for Leaving Him on the Bench

Player Earns Praise Despite Derby Humiliation – Pundits Slam Xabi Alonso for Leaving Him on the Bench

Real Madrid’s humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the derby has sent shockwaves through Spain — but one player has managed to escape the criticism and, instead, earn widespread praise. Rodrygo Goes, who came on in the 70th minute for Jude Bellingham, was arguably Madrid’s brightest spark on an otherwise disastrous night, earning a 6.7 rating and leaving fans furious that he didn’t start.

Even Man of the Match Julián Álvarez, who tore Madrid apart with a stunning performance, singled out Rodrygo for praise:

> “Honestly, Rodrygo was the only one who really worried us when he came on. He played with courage, kept running at us, and never stopped trying to make something happen. I respect that a lot.”

Rodrygo’s Cameo Shines

According to Yahoo Sports, Rodrygo was one of the few Madrid players who showed urgency and intent. His direct dribbling forced Atlético defenders back, and he came close to setting up a late consolation. Analysts rated him 6.7/10, higher than most of the starting XI, and declared him Madrid’s most threatening player.

Substitute Ratings (Out of 10):

* **Raúl Asencio (46′ for Militão)** – 6.2

* **Franco Mastantuono (59′ for Güler)** – 6.4

* **Eduardo Camavi

nga (59′ for Carvajal)** – 6.5

* **Rodrygo (70′ for Bellingham)** – **6.7** ⭐

* Gonzalo García (89′ for Huijsen) – N/A

Mastantuono also drew praise for showing fight despite the scoreline, while Camavinga brought some balance in midfield. Asencio, however, endured a nightmare, being beaten repeatedly by Álvarez.

Pundits Blast Alonso

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was scathing in his post-match analysis:

> “You don’t leave your most dangerous attacker on the bench in a derby. Xabi Alonso got this one completely wrong. Rodrygo should have started — and the fact that he didn’t is part of why Madrid were so flat for most of the game.”

Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué added:

> “Rodrygo has proven time and time again that he’s a game-changer. Starting him late was a mistake. It’s not just about talent — it’s about sending the right message. Madrid looked like they had no fight until he came on.”

Fans Demand a Change

Madridistas took to social media in droves after the final whistle, calling for Alonso to shake up his starting XI.

* “Rodrygo has to start every big game. Period,” one fan posted.

* “He gave us energy when everyone else had given up. Build around him,” another wrote.

With Barcelona and Girona breathing down Madrid’s neck in the La Liga title race, Xabi Alonso will face serious questions about his selection choices.

**EVEN IN A 5-2 DEFEAT, HE WAS MADRID’S BEST PLAYER WITH A 6.7 RATING — AND THE FANS KNOW IT**

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