Real Madrid’s shocking collapse under Xabi Alonso has transformed Sunday’s trip to Alaves from a routine fixture into a potential career-defining moment for the beleaguered manager, with his team winning just twice in their last eight matches.
The fairytale homecoming has turned sour for Xabi Alonso. What began as a storybook return to the Santiago Bernabeu has rapidly devolved into a crisis that threatens to derail his managerial career at Europe’s most demanding club.
Real Madrid’s alarming run of just two victories in their last eight matches has created a pressure cooker environment that will reach its boiling point during Sunday’s trip to Alaves. This is no ordinary La Liga fixture—it’s become a referendum on Alonso’s ability to lead the club he once captained.
The Collapse: From Invincible to Vulnerable
Alonso’s start couldn’t have been more promising. Kylian Mbappé was scoring at will, and Real Madrid stormed through their first seven matches of the season with the swagger of champions. Even a setback against rivals Atletico Madrid seemed manageable after a statement victory over Barcelona.
Then came the turning point: a Champions League defeat at Anfield last month that triggered a catastrophic nosedive. The loss to Liverpool itself was understandable, but what followed exposed deeper problems within Alonso’s squad.
The crisis deepened with three consecutive La Liga draws against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona—teams Madrid would typically dispatch with ease. The warning signs were flashing, but the worst was yet to come.
Bernabeu Boos and Rock Bottom
Real Madrid hit their lowest point with back-to-back home defeats that brought the Bernabeu faithful to their breaking point. First came a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo, followed by a 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League.
The most damning moment came when home fans jeered their own team—a rare occurrence that signals deep discontent at a club where expectations are perpetually sky-high. For Alonso, who experienced the Bernabeu’s adoration as a player, the criticism must cut particularly deep.
“You have to live with it, and when you’re the coach of Real Madrid, you have to be prepared to face it bravely, responsibly and self-critically, knowing that things can change,” Alonso acknowledged after the City defeat.
Why Alaves Presents Such Danger
On paper, a trip to mid-table Alaves should represent a straightforward opportunity for redemption. But Madrid’s fragile confidence and Alaves’ impressive home form make this anything but a guaranteed three points.
Alaves has proven formidable in Vitoria, suffering only two losses in eight home games this season. Their recent 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad demonstrated their ability to frustrate more talented opponents—exactly the scenario that could exacerbate Madrid’s current crisis.
Meanwhile, Barcelona has capitalized on Madrid’s stumble, opening a four-point lead at the top of La Liga. With Villarreal just one point behind Madrid and Atletico Madrid lurking, Alonso’s team risks falling out of title contention entirely if the slide continues.
The Mbappé Conundrum
The absence of Kylian Mbappé against Manchester City highlighted another vulnerability in Alonso’s setup. The French superstar leads La Liga with 16 goals but missed the crucial Champions League clash with a knee issue.
“We’ll go day-by-day,” Alonso said about Mbappé’s availability. “Today he wasn’t fit to play, otherwise he would’ve played.”
Madrid’s dependence on their star forward raises questions about squad depth and tactical flexibility—issues that fall directly at the manager’s feet. Without Mbappé, Madrid looked toothless against City’s organized defense.
Defensive Crisis Compounding Problems
Alonso’s defensive options have been severely compromised by Éder Militão’s muscle tear sustained in the Celta Vigo defeat. The Brazilian’s absence leaves Madrid vulnerable at the back, particularly with suspended defenders Fran García, Dani Carvajal, Álvaro Carreras, and young talent Endrick also unavailable.
This defensive crisis couldn’t come at a worse time, with Alaves likely to employ a physical, counter-attacking approach that will test Madrid’s reshuffled backline.
The Alonso Dilemma: Patience vs. Real Madrid DNA
The fundamental question facing Real Madrid’s hierarchy is whether Alonso deserves patience or whether the club’s win-now culture demands immediate change. Alonso arrived with immense credibility after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a stunning Bundesliga title in 2024, breaking Bayern Munich’s domestic dominance.
But Real Madrid operates differently from any other club in world football. The tolerance for poor runs is minimal, and the pressure intensifies exponentially with each disappointing result. Alonso’s willingness to acknowledge the situation demonstrates self-awareness, but words won’t save his job—only results will.
“Despite the result, I’ve seen positive things individually and collectively,” Alonso insisted. “Other things haven’t gone so well, but we’re still in it.”
What Victory at Alaves Would Mean
A convincing victory at Alaves could provide the catalyst Madrid desperately needs. It would quiet the critics, restore confidence within the squad, and potentially kickstart their title challenge ahead of the busy winter schedule.
However, another poor performance—particularly another defeat—could prove catastrophic for Alonso’s tenure. Real Madrid presidents have fired managers for far less, and the growing discontent among supporters suggests patience is wearing thin.
The clash represents more than just three points; it’s about restoring belief in Alonso’s project and proving that the early-season success wasn’t merely a honeymoon period.
The Big Picture: Managerial Legacy at Stake
Xabi Alonso understands Real Madrid’s culture better than most foreign managers. As a former player who won Champions League and La Liga titles with the club, he knows the expectations are non-negotiable.
His current predicament serves as a brutal reminder that sentimentality holds little weight at the Bernabeu. Great players don’t automatically become great managers, and the transition from fan favorite to scrutinized leader is among the most challenging in sports.
Sunday’s match against Alaves isn’t just another fixture—it’s a test of Alonso’s tactical acumen, man-management skills, and ability to handle the unique pressure that comes with managing Real Madrid. The outcome could define his managerial career for years to come.
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