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 manager Xabi Alonso said on Monday he wanted his team's performance on the pitch to do the talking for him as he begins his first LaLiga campaign at home against Osasuna on Tuesday.