Key Highlights
- Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid manager is under scrutiny after a recent defeat.
- A defeat against Manchester City could spell the end of Alonso’s six-month reign at Real Madrid.
- Kylian Mbappe, one of Real Madrid’s key players, faces injury doubts for the match.
- Manchester City come into the game on a high following their Premier League victory over Sunderland.
The Pressure Mounts: Xabi Alonso’s Future at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso, the former Spanish midfielder and now manager of Real Madrid, finds himself in a precarious position heading into the Champions League clash with Manchester City. The pressure is palpable as he tries to navigate his team through a challenging period.
Alonso’s Struggles at the Helm
Xabi Alonso has had a tumultuous start since taking charge of Real Madrid in June 2025, managing only a win from their five league games so far. His tenure was already under scrutiny following a defeat by Celta Vigo on Sunday, and his chances of survival are now considered “slim” by football analyst Guillem Balague.
During a pre-match news conference, Alonso faced tough questions about his position and the team’s performance. He maintained his composure but admitted that he feels supported by the players, responding with a simple “Yes” to a direct question about support from his squad.
The Manchester City Threat
Wednesday’s match against Manchester City in the Champions League is crucial for Alonso. A defeat could be the final nail in the coffin of his six-month reign. The two teams have an intense rivalry, with Real Madrid knocking out Manchester City in February and losing to them 4-0 in May of last year.
Alonso’s challenges are compounded by mounting injury problems. Star striker Kylian Mbappe is a major doubt for the match due to a reported leg injury, while defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Dean Huijsen have all been ruled out.
Alonso’s defense of his managerial approach was both defiant and cautious. “When you are the coach of Real Madrid, you have to be ready to face these situations in a calm and relaxed way,” he said. “We want to create excitement, we are trying to change the situation.”
The Manchester City Perspective
Manchester City comes into the game on top form after blowing open the Premier League title race with their victory over Sunderland. Their recent home defeat by Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, where Guardiola made 10 changes, is a cause for concern.
City captain Bernardo Silva acknowledged that they would still face a tough challenge: “We are waiting for a very tough game no matter who plays.”
Key Players and Impact
The match-up between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland is a highlight of the game, with both players leading their respective leagues in goals. Mbappe has scored 57% of Real Madrid’s goals this season, while Haaland’s ratio has dropped to 40%.
Support for Alonso
Former Real defender Jonathan Woodgate defended Alonso, stating, “Xabi is a fantastic coach and we saw what he achieved at Bayer Leverkusen. You have to give a manager time to implement what he wants to do.” His words reflect the sentiment that giving managers time to adjust can be crucial for success.
Conclusion
The match against Manchester City on Wednesday is not just about the game itself but also about Xabi Alonso’s future. As Real Madrid faces a critical moment in their season, the outcome will have far-reaching implications beyond the pitch.
Real Madrid: 69% win rate in La Liga this season under Xabi Alonso’s management.
Manchester City: 3-0 victory over Sunderland in the Premier League recently.
Key Match-up: Mbappe vs. Haaland, leading goalscorers of their respective teams.
The pressure is on as Real Madrid and Manchester City prepare for a high-stakes encounter that could define both clubs’ seasons.
