Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is facing intensifying scrutiny after his side fell 1-2 to Manchester City in the Champions League, a result that deepens concerns in an already turbulent debut season for the former midfield legend. Despite praising his players’ commitment, Alonso is well aware that effort without victory rarely satisfies expectations at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The defeat means Real Madrid have managed just two wins in their last eight matches across competitions. It was also Alonso’s second straight loss following a 0-2 home defeat to Celta Vigo, a match complicated by two red cards but still alarming for a club that demands constant excellence. As whistles echoed through the stadium, murmurs resurfaced about the coach possibly losing influence within the dressing room.
Real started brightly, dominating early exchanges and taking the lead through Rodrygo, who celebrated his first goal in 33 games. Brilliant individual bursts from Vinicius Jr troubled City and Jude Bellingham’s free-roaming presence kept the English champions under pressure. But defensive vulnerabilities—an issue haunting Real all season—quickly resurfaced.
Manchester City struck back through Josko Gvardiol’s aerial involvement, leading to Nico O’Reilly netting his first Champions League goal. Minutes later, a foul on Erling Haaland gifted City a penalty, which the Norwegian confidently converted for his 34th goal of the season. Courtois prevented the scoreline from worsening, but Real’s fragility was exposed again.
Alonso introduced Endrick in search of an equaliser, with the Brazilian hitting the woodwork and Bellingham missing a chance to lob Donnarumma. But Real’s injury-ravaged defence—missing Militao, Carvajal, Mendy, Alaba, Huijsen and new signing Alexander-Arnold—remained a major roadblock for stability.
Implementing Alonso’s intense high-pressing approach from Bayer Leverkusen has also proven challenging for a squad built for counter-attacking flair rather than relentless pressing. Against City, Real only looked dangerous when transitions favoured them.
Pep Guardiola admitted City were far from their sharpest, noting that Real dominated before City’s first goal. But he maintained that the team must reach a higher level by February and March. City still showed several promising signs, with Doku, O’Reilly and Cherki stretching Madrid’s deep defensive lines and creating constant threats.
With pressure rising, injuries piling up and results dipping, Alonso now stands at a pivotal crossroads in his Real Madrid tenure—one where performances must quickly match the club’s towering expectations.