Winners and Losers Across Europe: Xabi Alonso Madrid Derby Pain and Allegri AC Milan Revival

Another weekend of drama, goals, and heated debates unfolded across Europe’s top leagues, and there was no shortage of storylines. Liverpool saw their perfect start slip away, Napoli were taken down by AC Milan at San Siro, and Bayern Munich continued their relentless march in the Bundesliga with Harry Kane rewriting the record books yet again. Paris Saint-Germain got back to winning ways, Barcelona got a crucial spark from their teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, and Atletico Madrid pulled off a derby day demolition that left Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso fuming.

So, who were the weekend’s biggest winners and losers? Let’s break it down.

Winner: Julian Alvarez and Atletico’s Derby Delight

milan  Julian Alvarez 

Julian Alvarez had been under some pressure going into the Madrid derby. After a slow run of form, questions had been raised about whether the Argentine World Cup winner could consistently deliver in big moments for Atletico. He answered those questions emphatically.

Alvarez stepped up to take a second-half penalty with the score level and the memories of his costly “double touch” against Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League still fresh. This time, there were no slip-ups. He kept his cool, converted, and sent the Metropolitano into raptures.

But he wasn’t done. Twelve minutes later, Alvarez curled in a stunning free-kick to seal a statement 5-2 victory for Diego Simeone’s side. The result not only reignited Atleti’s season but also gave their fans a reason to believe they can challenge for the title.

“I was getting chances, so I knew I just had to keep working,” Alvarez said afterward. “The season is long, and there is a lot to play for.” Judging by his recent form – five goals in two games – Atletico may have just found their talisman.

Loser: Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid’s Reality Check

Atletico de Madrid v Real Madrid CF – LaLiga EA Sports europe

For all the excitement around Xabi Alonso’s perfect start as Real Madrid boss, this was a sobering weekend. His side were outplayed, outfought, and ultimately embarrassed by their city rivals.

Real looked shaky from the first whistle, conceding early and struggling to impose themselves. Even Kylian Mbappé’s equaliser – another cool finish from the French superstar – did little to mask Madrid’s defensive fragility and midfield disorganisation.

Alonso admitted his team were poor “with and without the ball” and reminded everyone that Los Blancos remain “in a construction phase.” Still, questions will be asked about his decision to rush Jude Bellingham back into the starting XI despite concerns over his tactical discipline.

Perhaps most worrying for Madrid fans was Mbappé’s furious reaction at full-time. The forward stormed down the tunnel, clearly frustrated. If Alonso is to steady the ship, he’ll need to restore belief quickly – both in the stands and in the dressing room.

Winner: Massimiliano Allegri and AC Milan’s Resurgence

Few managers have been as criticised in recent years as Massimiliano Allegri, but right now, he’s having the last laugh. AC Milan’s 2-1 win over Napoli, powered by Christian Pulisic’s brilliant display, sent them top of Serie A and silenced many of Allegri’s detractors.

Pulisic set up the first goal before scoring the winner himself, and Milan played with the control and sharpness that has defined Allegri’s best sides. Napoli, who had been flying, were out-thought and out-fought at San Siro.

Allegri’s tactical tweaks are paying off, and suddenly Milan look like genuine Scudetto favourites again. For a manager who was under immense pressure not so long ago, this is a remarkable turnaround.

Winner: Harry Kane and Bayern Munich’s Relentless Run

Harry Kane seems to be living his best life in Munich. Bayern’s 4-0 win over Werder Bremen was business as usual, but Kane’s brace was anything but ordinary. With those two goals, the England captain reached 100 goals for Bayern in just 104 matches – a record-breaking achievement unmatched by anyone in Europe’s top five leagues this century.

Kane’s happiness is evident, too. “I’m privileged to play for this great club,” he said after the game. “I’m enjoying every moment.”

For those Spurs fans dreaming of a romantic homecoming, it doesn’t seem like Kane has any plans to leave Bavaria anytime soon – especially if he keeps winning silverware and smashing records at this pace.

Loser: Kevin De Bruyne’s Frustration in Milan

Napoli’s trip to San Siro was supposed to be an opportunity to lay down a marker, but it ended in frustration. Kevin De Bruyne scored from the spot to give Napoli hope, only to be subbed off with nearly 20 minutes to play.

Antonio Conte defended the decision, saying he needed fresh legs to break down Milan’s deep block, but De Bruyne didn’t hide his displeasure as he trudged off. Conte later warned that any irritation directed at him would be a mistake, adding a layer of tension to what was already a disappointing night for Napoli.

With injuries mounting and new signings still settling in, Conte has some man-management challenges ahead if Napoli are to stay in the title race.

Winner: PSG’s Youth Revolution

Paris Saint-Germain cruised past Auxerre 2-0, but the real story was the debut of two academy products: Quentin Ndjantou and Mathis Jangeal. With injuries piling up, Luis Enrique has had to turn to the club’s youth ranks – and the kids didn’t disappoint.

Ndjantou came on just after the hour mark, and Jangeal entered late on, both earning warm applause from the Parc des Princes crowd. For all the talk about PSG being a “superclub” reliant on big-money stars, their academy continues to produce gems, and Luis Enrique’s willingness to trust them could pay dividends later in the season.

Winner: Lamine Yamal – Barca’s Teenage Game-Changer

Finally, a word for Barcelona’s young superstar Lamine Yamal. After missing a month through injury, the teenager returned and made an instant impact, setting up Robert Lewandowski’s winner against Real Sociedad just moments after coming off the bench.

Hansi Flick hailed the 18-year-old after the game, saying, “Everyone saw what a fantastic player he is.”

Barça may have other attacking options, but Yamal is quickly becoming their difference-maker. At just 18, he’s already being mentioned as a future Ballon d’Or winner – and based on the evidence so far, that prediction doesn’t look far-fetched.