It's very first months of Xabi Alonso in Real Madrid and he still needs to have more time for his management and tactical training for his players. So far in general, I think Xabi Alonso has done his management well in Madrid and 1 point difference with Barcelona is not too big. However, losing big in the Madrid derby is bad and he must improve his player mentality in big matches as in the last season, they lost in all direct matches with Barcelona, lost big.
I agree with you that Xabi Alonso is new to Madrid and needs more time. But Madrid is a team that fights to win every title, Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey. Last season Madrid could not win any title, even losing every El Clasico. And this season too if Alonso cannot bring stability to Madrid's performance quickly then Madrid will not be able to win any title this season either. Alonso is a talented coach. And he will have to bring stability to Madrid's squad very quickly if they want to win titles.