Pressure Mounts on Alonso After Real Madrid Fall to Manchester City

Xabi Alonso is facing growing uncertainty over his future at Real Madrid after his side’s 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The loss, Real’s second in a row, has intensified the scrutiny on the manager, even though reports that his position is not under immediate threat. However, another defeat at Alaves on Sunday could prove decisive.

Before kick-off, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was loudly booed by the Bernabeu crowd due to his Barcelona past. By full-time, those jeers had turned into chants from the 2,500 travelling City supporters, celebrating a victory that may push Alonso closer to the exit. The noise inside the stadium was turned up at full blast at the final whistle, seemingly to mask any boos directed at the under-pressure coach.

Real Madrid had begun brightly and took the lead through Rodrygo’s low strike. But City hit back with two goals before the break – Nico O’Reilly’s close-range finish followed by an Erling Haaland penalty. The atmosphere shifted immediately, with Real’s ultras falling silent and later expressing frustration by whistling at the players between the 65th and 71st minutes.

Despite late pressure from Real, Alonso’s future remains the main talking point. The club’s board had already met after Sunday’s loss to Celta Vigo and are expected to hold further discussions. The feeling among many supporters is that Alonso is not the problem, with some believing the players are failing to follow his instructions.

Alonso, who made an excellent start by winning 13 of his first 14 games, has now seen his team slip badly, with just two wins in their last eight matches. Reports suggest some players are uncomfortable with his strict methods and prefer a more intense pressing style.

Speaking after the match, Alonso insisted his players gave their all, saying: “A professional Champions League level game. They have given their best, so from my side no complaints.”

England midfielder Jude Bellingham backed his manager, telling TNT Sport the squad are “100%” behind Alonso.

But with pressure rising, the trip to Alaves on Sunday may define Alonso’s future at the Bernabeu.