Ahead of their opening game of the La Liga season, The Sporting News takes a look at three key issues Alonso must address. Alonso needs to hit the ground running in front of an expectant Estadio Santiago Bernabeu crowd in Madrid - particularly as Barcelona opened their title defence with a ruthless 3-0 win in Mallorca.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said the team's shortened pre-season will not be used as an excuse as they prepare to kick off their La Liga campaign at home to Osasuna on Tuesday."Obviously it would have been nice to receive some support with our request,