A stunned silence descended upon the Bernabéu as Real Madrid succumbed to a shocking 2-0 defeat against Celta Vigo, a team previously winless against them in 22 matches. The home crowd voiced their discontent, booing the team off the pitch after a performance riddled with frustration and, ultimately, two red cards.
The loss casts a long shadow over manager Xabi Alonso, despite the immense expectations that followed his arrival as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor. He had previously orchestrated a remarkable Bundesliga title win with Bayer Leverkusen, but the recent form of Real Madrid is raising serious questions.
Just one league victory in their last five games has left Real Madrid vulnerable, poised to slip to third in La Liga should Villarreal capitalize on their game in hand. The implosion on the pitch – marked by the dismissals of Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras – only amplified the sense of crisis.
Alonso openly acknowledged the team’s struggles, revealing prior conversations with club president Florentino Perez regarding their dip in form. The weight of expectation at the Bernabéu is immense, and the recent results have undeniably intensified the pressure.
Now, all eyes turn to Wednesday night and the looming Champions League clash against Manchester City. This match is being framed as a pivotal test for both Real Madrid and Alonso, a chance to silence the critics and reignite their season.
Despite the setback, Alonso remained resolute in his post-match comments, urging a swift response. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the Champions League tie, viewing it as an opportunity to erase the bitter taste of defeat.
“We are all angry,” Alonso stated, “This was not the game or result we wanted. We have to turn the page quickly. It’s only three points, and we have the Champions League game against City to react and get this bad taste out of our mouths.”
He firmly dismissed any suggestion that his position was under immediate threat, reiterating that the focus remains solely on securing a positive result against Manchester City. The Champions League, he insisted, is the immediate priority.
Manchester City, meanwhile, appears to be hitting form at the perfect time, securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Sunderland. Pep Guardiola’s side is now firmly in contention for the Premier League title, trailing leaders Arsenal by just two points.
Guardiola is acutely aware of the challenge that awaits his team at the Bernabéu, remembering last season’s painful aggregate defeat to Real Madrid. He hopes his team will play with their characteristic style and intensity.
“It’s never an easy place,” Guardiola conceded. “Hopefully we can play like who we are. When you go to play on the big stages, you want to play like yourself.” The rematch promises to be a captivating encounter, a true test of European footballing might.
