Champions League/ Pressure mounts on Xabi Alonso after Real Madrid’s defeat

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faces intense scrutiny after his team’s 2-1 Champions League home defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday. The loss, fueled by two City goals in the final 10 minutes of the first half, extends a worrying run of just two wins in Madrid’s last eight matches.

Despite public support from players post-match, whistles from the Bernabéu crowd at full-time highlighted growing frustration.

Alonso defended his squad’s effort, citing a “delicate period” with multiple injuries that left the team feeling “less solid” and vulnerable to City’s quick turnaround.

The coach admitted his team lacked “finesse” in crucial moments after Rodrygo’s opener was overturned by goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland.

With a recent loss to Celta Vigo also fresh, this consecutive defeat places Alonso’s future in serious doubt as Real Madrid’s campaign risks unraveling.