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MADRID: Real Madrid have made a perfect start to the season under Xabi Alonso, but their new coach warned against complacency on Friday ahead of his first Madrid derby in charge of LaLiga’s leaders.
Alonso spent five seasons as a player with Real but now takes his team to the Metropolitano stadium to take on Atletico in his latest role with his side in impressive form.
Real have won all six league matches, conceding three goals, and hold a two-point advantage over champions Barcelona.
“We’ve only played six and got full points, but some games were a real struggle so we can’t get overconfident,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game.
“You can’t think that just by stepping onto the pitch you’ll win because of the badge you wear or the squad we have. I believe the more we educate ourselves to come out switched on for any match at any ground, the more games we’ll win.
“And if we win a lot of games, if we have that natural activation, we can pick up a lot of points. But we mustn’t relax because a lapse can cost you.”
Alonso has faced Atletico as manager when in charge of Bayer Leverkusen — drawing 2-2 in Madrid in 2022 shortly after taking over the German club and losing 2-1 away last season — but going there with Real is a very different prospect.
“It’s definitely different going to the Metropolitano with any other club than with Real Madrid,” Alonso said.
“Because of the healthy rivalry and I think that’s something beautiful, something that’s been enjoyed for many years, and hopefully we can keep enjoying it tomorrow as well.”

ATLETICO’S STRUGGLES MEANINGLESS IN DERBY
While Alonso’s Real are flying high, Diego Simeone’s Atletico have won two of their six league games, which leaves them already trailing their Madrid rivals by nine points, but those numbers are not so relevant at this stage.
Real have also failed to beat Atletico in the league over the last two seasons.
“The standings don’t say much right now,” Alonso said.
“Sure, we could extend the lead, but the match is going to be tough, it’s going to be tight. Winning at the Metropolitano isn’t easy, we’re going to have to work for it.”
Simeone has been in charge at Atletico for 14 years, but 43-year-old Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in June, is not looking that far ahead.
“What Simeone has done over these 14 years at Atletico is very important, not just what he’s achieved,” Alonso said.
“I’m just starting out, so I like to take things step by step. I don’t set such long-term goals.
“The beginning has been good, and there’s a long road ahead, so we will see.”

ABU DHABI: Aziz Olajuwon is giving the world an early glimpse of his own “Dream Shake.” The 6-foot-7 forward, son of two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, is putting his footwork, versatility and ambition on display at the NBA Academy Showcase in Abu Dhabi — beginning to spin his famous surname into a career of his own.

The three-day event at NYU Abu Dhabi, running from Sept. 25–27, has brought together elite youth teams from Senegal’s NBA Academy Africa, Australia’s Centre of Excellence, France’s INSEP Academy, and the US-based IMG Academy Ascenders, where Aziz currently plays. Speaking exclusively to Arab News, he explained that with his commitment to Stanford already secured, the Showcase is less about recruitment and more about sharpening his game on a global stage.

“He’s really taught me a lot about just life in general, not just the game,” Aziz said of his father’s influence. “Faith is number one. Whereas the game, he’s talking to me about being confident. The best players have the best confidence and stay confident — whether it’s a good game, bad game, you’re still the same player. But he’s taught me a lot and I’m very grateful for that.”

His father’s footwork remains part of basketball folklore. Aziz admits he has borrowed some of it but is shaping it to fit today’s style of play.

“The Dream Shake, obviously,” he said with a grin. “He’s really taught me a lot about the spin move and he’s really helped me develop my game — that part of my game. Bringing his moves out to the perimeter, it’s all good.

“I think it’s a little different, but you can always learn from his moves and just bring them out to the perimeter,” he added.

At the Showcase, versatility has been Aziz’s calling card.

“I’ll do anything for my team,” he said. “Whatever my team needs, I try to fulfill to the best of my ability. I can really play any position. I can guard any position. And still a lot of work to do.”

That approach will serve him well at Stanford, where he has already committed to begin his college career.

“I’ve actually just committed to Stanford,” the 18-year-old confirmed. “They play in the ACC, so I’m just working this year to go over there and make an impact right away.”

Second-generation players inevitably draw comparisons, with LeBron James and Bronny making headlines for their history-making father-son pairing in the NBA. But Aziz insists he is not distracted by outside noise.

“No, I’m just focused on my own journey, you know,” he said. “My dad says to stick with God and focus on yourself.”

Beyond following in his father’s footsteps, Aziz has set his sights on Canada’s national program, which is enjoying a golden era led by reigning NBA MVP and champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with 2023 NBA champion Jamal Murray. When asked about his long-term ambitions, whether it was reaching the NBA, winning a championship, or chasing Olympic gold with Canada, Aziz couldn’t help but laugh.

“You really named all of them, so that’s funny,” he said. “You know, making the NBA, staying there, and making an impact on the game of basketball. Also on the Canadian side, I want to get an Olympic gold medal. So really just being the best player I can be and see where that goes.”

The NBA Academy Showcase unfolds just days before the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers play two preseason games at Etihad Arena as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ on Thursday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 4.