The injury of French star Kylian Mbappé has created a new reality for Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, forcing him to reconsider the team's attacking setup ahead of Sunday’s match against Real Betis, and possibly also before the Spanish Super Cup.

Mbappé's absence is far from ordinary, given his remarkable numbers this season, having scored 29 goals in 24 matches—more than 50% of the team's total goals—highlighting the significant impact of his absence on the attacking setup.

Alonso is missing the player who has carried the scoring burden since his arrival, which opens the door to several tactical solutions. The most likely option is to field Rodrigo Goes as a pure striker, a position he knows well and that gives him the freedom to move and link up with the midfield. Rodrigo also ended the year on a good note, having regained confidence and broken a nine-month goal drought, making him a strong candidate to lead the attack.

This option could also allow Franco Mastantuono to be included in the starting lineup, providing the team with more creativity between the lines, while maintaining offensive momentum and increasing intensity in the high press.

Alonso is considering another solution that involves strengthening the midfield by moving Federico Valverde to the right side. This option provides the team with greater balance and physical strength but reduces offensive presence inside the penalty area, placing a greater goal-scoring responsibility on Rodrygo.

The coach does not rule out resorting to Gonzalo Garcia as a pure striker, repeating the scenario he previously used in the Club World Cup. Although this option seems simpler in terms of structure by having a clear center forward, it is also considered the boldest choice, especially since Alonso has recently reduced his reliance on academy players, preferring more conservative solutions.

Among the options also considered is playing without a traditional striker, relying instead on an attacking duo of Vinícius and Rodrygo in a 4-4-2 formation. This approach depends on speed, movement in space, and quick transitions, but it lacks presence and density inside the opponent's penalty area.

The complexities of the offensive situation increase given the team's current status at the beginning of the new year. Indrik has been loaned out to Olympique Lyon, removing him from the plans, while Ibrahim Diaz is still committed to participating with the Moroccan national team in the Africa Cup of Nations.