Real Madrid Hand Xabi Alonso Final Chance After Man City Defeat

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has been handed a lifeline by the club’s hierarchy despite Wednesday night’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League.

The defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu came after goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland turned the match in City’s favour, cancelling out an early finish from Rodrygo. Speaking after the game, Alonso admitted his side were not mentally sharp enough to withstand City’s pressure.

“It was a very competitive match with different moments. We started strongly with Rodrygo’s goal and a few other chances, but when you are not at your best mentally, in ten minutes they took the lead from very little, with the corner and the penalty,” Alonso said.

He added that the squad continued battling despite a growing list of injury problems. The coach said, “The team kept going right until the end and has not lost face despite all the difficulties we are facing, like injuries.”

The loss fuelled fresh speculation around Alonso’s future, particularly after reports suggested the club could sack him if Madrid fell again to Pep Guardiola’s side. The tension around the Bernabeu was already heavy after fans booed the players off during last weekend’s shock 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo.

However, Spanish outlet Marca reports that Real Madrid have decided to give Alonso more time to steady the team. They have won only two of their last eight matches across all competitions and have slipped in both the LaLiga and Champions League tables.

Despite their faltering form, Madrid remain inside the automatic qualification places for the Champions League, sitting seventh, with the top eight securing spots for next season.

Several senior players were said to have voiced their support for Alonso in the dressing room after the loss to City, urging the club to stick with the manager as they continue searching for consistency.

Real Madrid travel to Alaves on Sunday in the Spanish La Liga as they look to halt their slide.