From Heaven to Hell: understand why Raúl Asencio Lost His Place in Real Madrid’s Starting XI
Once considered a rising star in Real Madrid’s defense, Raúl Asencio has fallen out of favor under Xabi Alonso. Here’s why.
Raúl Asencio was one of the surprise revelations in Real Madrid’s squad last season. Promoted to the first team by Carlo Ancelotti during an injury crisis in defense, the 23-year-old center-back initially impressed, partnering regularly with Antonio Rüdiger and earning plaudits for his composure and physical presence.
But fast forward to the FIFA Club World Cup, and Asencio finds himself on the bench a dramatic fall from grace.
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Strong Start: The Asencio Rise
Wearing the number 35 shirt, Asencio quickly became a key contributor at the back. He made 53 appearances for the Merengue club last season, clocking over 4,000 minutes on the pitch and contributing two assists.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed his market value surged, and Real Madrid even moved to extend his contract, recognizing his importance in the squad’s defensive depth.
Club World Cup Collapse: What Went Wrong?
Asencio entered the 2025 Club World Cup as a likely starter under new manager Xabi Alonso. But things unraveled quickly.
- Match 1 vs Al-Hilal: The defender conceded a penalty that was converted by Ruben Neves, resulting in a frustrating 1–1 draw for Madrid.
- Match 2 vs Pachuca: Just seven minutes in, Asencio was sent off for a reckless challenge on Salomón Rondón. Real Madrid managed to win 3–1, but the red card proved to be the last straw.
His average rating of 4.85 across both games (according to SofaScore) highlights how drastically his performances dropped on the big stage.
Demoted and Replaced
Following his disappointing outings, Xabi Alonso dropped Asencio from the starting XI. Despite his recent contract renewal, his place in Madrid’s defensive pecking order has taken a serious hit. For the key third-round clash against RB Salzburg, Alonso is expected to use alternatives such as Tchouaméni or a fully recovered Rüdiger.
Next Match: Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup – Group H, Round 3
- Date: Thursday, June 26
- Time: 10 PM (Brasília time)
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
The match will be decisive for Group H qualification. Despite leading the group, Real Madrid must avoid defeat to ensure a spot in the knockout rounds.
Future in Doubt?
While Raúl Asencio is still seen as a long-term project, his poor showing at the Club World Cup has raised questions about his readiness to perform at the highest level. Whether he regains Xabi Alonso’s trust this season remains to be seen but for now, the defender faces an uphill battle to reclaim his place.
