Real Madrid have decided Xabi Alonso’s future after his side were beaten 2-1 by Man City at the Bernabeu.
Reports in Spain had tipped Alonso for the sack should he fail to get back to winning ways on Wednesday after last weekend’s dismal defeat by Celta Vigo, during which Real had three men sent off.
City’s visit to the Bernabeu, then, had plenty riding on it, and it did not go entirely to plan. Los B…
Real Madrid have decided Xabi Alonso’s future after his side were beaten 2-1 by Man City at the Bernabeu.
Reports in Spain had tipped Alonso for the sack should he fail to get back to winning ways on Wednesday after last weekend’s dismal defeat by Celta Vigo, during which Real had three men sent off.
City’s visit to the Bernabeu, then, had plenty riding on it, and it did not go entirely to plan. Los Blancos started well, with Vinicius and Rodrygo both lively, and the latter capitalised on his impressive early contributions by scoring the opener shortly before the half-hour mark.
The visitors roared back, though, with Nico O’Reilly scoring from close range before Erling Haaland buried a penalty, which proved to be the winner.
Despite the defeat leaving Real with just two wins in their last seven matches, though, the club’s executives have decided to give Alonso more time to right the ship.
According to a report from The Athletic, Real’s decision-makers were encouraged by the side’s improvement and swashbuckling performance.
Los Blancos pushed hard for an equaliser as City led into the late stages on Wednesday, and created the necessary chances to turn the tie around, but wayward finishing from Vinicius Jr, Endrick, and Jude Bellingham saw them fall short.
Real’s injury woes will also have been taken into account as that decision was made. Alonso did not have star striker Kylian Mbappe at his disposal, with defenders Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy all absent too.
As such, 32-year-old centre-back Antonio Rudiger was forced to start, making just his fifth appearance of the season.
Alonso will remain under scrutiny, though, particularly if results do not improve alongside the club’s injury situation.
Real return to action on Sunday, visiting Alaves in La Liga.
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