Real Madrid make decision on Xabi Alonso’s future after Manchester City defeat

Real Madrid slumped to a disappointing 2-1 loss to Manchester City in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rodrygo put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute, but City responded with two goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland before half-time.

Real failed to find an equaliser in the second-half to lose their second European match this season.

Reports had suggested that manager Xabi Alonso would be sacked if he failed to get back to winning ways against City this week.

However, Sky Sports journalist Patrick Berger says the Spaniard still retains the support of the club’s hierarchy and will be in the dugout when Los Blancos take on Alaves on Sunday.

– Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Alonso came to Madrid with a glowing reputation last summer, having led Bayer Leverkusen to an unprecedented unbeaten domestic double in 2024.

However, the 44-year-old has endured a difficult start to life in Spain.

Winning just one of their last five La Liga fixtures, his side currently sit four points behind leaders Barcelona in the table .

Their most recent league game saw them losing 2-0 to Celta Vigo in front of the Bernabeu crowd last weekend.

There are also reports Alonso has fallen out with many senior players, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

The Spaniard currently has the support of the club’s hierarchy, but their stance could quickly change if results don’t improve soon. He must guide his team to victory against Alaves on Sunday.