Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has admitted that set pieces have become the team’s most glaring weakness following their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Speaking after the game, Alonso was honest in his assessment of the performance, acknowledging that Madrid’s failure to defend dead-ball situations continues to cost them.

“Set pieces are what we concede the most goals from. I think it could have been avoided today. They pressed us a lot,” Alonso said.

Liverpool’s relentless pressure and clinical execution from set plays proved too much for Madrid to handle on the night.

Alonso credited Liverpool’s attacking quality, but also pointed out his side’s repeated errors.

“They have skilled forwards in executing set pieces and finishing them. They created a lot of chances because we made a lot of mistakes,” the coach added.

According to match statistics, Real Madrid allowed eight shots from set pieces, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pulling off seven crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Unfortunately, one managed to find the back of the net — enough to seal Liverpool’s win.

This defeat exposes a worrying trend for Alonso’s men. Madrid have now conceded four goals from set pieces this season, an area that is quickly becoming a persistent issue.

For a club of Madrid’s stature, such vulnerability is uncharacteristic and costly — especially in tight, high-stakes matches like this one. Alonso will now be under pressure to tighten up his defence ahead of the next round of fixtures, ensuring that set pieces no longer remain Los Blancos’ Achilles heel.

If Real Madrid are to maintain their pursuit of silverware this season, fixing this flaw could be the difference between success and another night of regret.