Sofia Quijada
Alonso’s job hangs by a thread despite board’s patience
The Bernabéu faithful made their feelings clear long before kick-off. Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona architect, was greeted with a wall of jeers—yet by full-time, it was Manchester City’s traveling contingent serenading their manager after a 2-1 victory that leaves Xabi Alonso teetering on the brink.
Reports had suggested Alonso’s job hinged on Wednesday’s result. Yet despite the defeat, BBC Sport understands the Real Madrid board is not poised to act immediately. A third straight loss at Alavés on Sunday, however, could force their hand.
As the final whistle blew, the stadium’s sound system roared to life—perhaps to mask any dissent. Many had already filed out. When the volume dipped, the away end’s chant of “We’ve got Guardiola” cut through the silence, a taunt that will linger in the minds of every Madridista.
A night of early promise, late collapse
Real began with intent. Rodrygo fired them ahead with a low drive, the home crowd in full voice. But the lead lasted barely 10 minutes. Nico O’Reilly equalized before Erling Haaland converted from the spot. The ultras, draped in white behind the goal, fell silent.
Between the 65th and 71st minutes, whistles rained down three times—a clear message: Give us more. The players responded, creating chances, but the damage was done. Alonso’s side showed glimpses of another gear, yet it may not be enough to save him.
Players under fire, not the manager
Fans’ frustration appears directed less at Alonso and more at the squad. The sentiment? The players aren’t following instructions. They’re the ones who need to listen, to adapt.
Alonso, who took charge before the Club World Cup, started the season with 13 wins in 14 games. But the wheels came off after the 4 November loss at Liverpool. Since then, just two victories in eight outings. Rumors of a cultural clash persist—players resisting his strict methods, pushing for a pressing style he doesn’t favor.
Alonso defiant, Bellingham backs the boss
Asked if his players had fought for him, Alonso was firm: “The performance was intense. A professional Champions League game. They gave their best. No complaints.”
Jude Bellingham echoed that sentiment. Speaking to TNT Sport, the England midfielder insisted the squad is “100%” behind the manager. “I have a great relationship with him, a lot of the lads do too. After our early run, we had good conversations. We thought we’d turned the corner. These last couple of games? We’ve let ourselves down. But no one’s downing tools.”
The bigger picture: A club in flux
Real sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona. In the Champions League, they scrape into the knockout stages on goal difference alone. Since their 2022 triumph, they’ve lost five group-stage games—a far cry from their usual dominance.
Juan Castro of Marca painted a bleak picture. “I’m very pessimistic. It wasn’t a ridiculous defeat—they competed—but another home loss, another in a row. It’s hard for a coach to survive this. Perez doesn’t accept defeat. And replacing Alonso in December? Easier said than done.”
For now, Alonso clings on. But the clock is ticking.