Real Madrid make decision on sacking Xabi Alonso after Manchester City defeat

By POGBA - December 11, 2025
Real Madrid C.F. v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
Xabi Alonso during Real Madrid’s defeat to Manchester City (Picture: Getty)

Real Madrid have decided to give Xabi Alonso more time to turn things around at the Bernabeu despite the Champions League defeat to Manchester City.

Madrid have won just two of their last eight games following a 2-1 loss to Premier League giants Man City.

The build-up to the Champions League showdown was dominated by speculation Alonso could lose his job should his side fall to defeat against Manchester City.

Rodrygo gave the Spanish giants the lead on Wednesday night but Real Madrid still trailed at half-time thanks to Man City goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland.

Real Madrid supporters made their frustration known as the hosts struggled to find an equaliser in the second half, although Alonso’s side did improve towards the end of the game as they chased a leveller.

Get your football fix

Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts sent straight to your inbox – sign up, it's an open goal.

But Madrid were jeered off for the second home match in a row following a shock 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the weekend.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Real Madrid will give Alonso more time despite the Champions League setback against Pep Guardiola’s City.

Real Madrid v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League
Man City beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu (Picture: Getty)

The defeat leaves Madrid seventh in the Champions League, with the top-eight teams in Europe qualifying automatically for the knockout stages.

A number of Real Madrid players came out to show support to Alonso after the Man City loss.

Asked if the players were still behind Alonso, who arrived at the Bernabeu over the summer following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Jude Bellingham said: ‘100%.

Real Madrid C.F. v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
Jude Bellingham after Madrid’s latest defeat (Picture: Getty)

‘The manager has been great. I personally have a great relationship with him and I know a lot of the boys do too.

‘After that run of draws we had some great conversations internally and felt we’d put that form behind us but the last couple of games.

‘No one is downing tools, no one complaining or moaning. We take it on the chin and keep fighting.’

Pressed on the reasons Real Madrid are struggling, England star Bellingham added: ‘We’re still trying to work it out within the changing room regardless of what goes on outside. We know that’s not helpful.

‘One thing is how we’re managing games. Certain points where we have to suffer it feels like we always concede and it puts us on the back foot and makes us have to play a way we don’t want to.’

More to follow…



from: elfutbolero.us