The atmosphere at the Bernabéu is thick with discontent. Real Madrid, despite a promising start in their Champions League clash against Manchester City, succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, fueling anxieties about their recent form.
This loss wasn’t an isolated incident. In their last eight games, Real Madrid has only secured two victories, a stark contrast to the dominance expected of the club. The weight of expectation, and the growing frustration of the fans, now rests heavily on manager Xabi Alonso.
Before the match, whispers circulated that Alonso’s position was precarious, hinging on the outcome against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Despite the defeat, the club has publicly announced it will afford him more time to rectify the situation.
Rodrygo’s early goal ignited hope, but a swift response from Nico O’Reilly and a clinical finish from Erling Haaland swung the momentum in City’s favor before halftime. The second half saw Madrid struggle to break down a resolute City defense, despite a late surge.
The jeers from the home crowd were audible, echoing a similar reaction from their previous match – a shocking 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo. This marks the second consecutive home game where the team has been met with open disapproval.
However, within the dressing room, support for Alonso remains unwavering. Jude Bellingham, the team’s star midfielder, emphatically stated his full backing, affirming a “100%” commitment to the manager.
Bellingham highlighted the strong relationship between the players and Alonso, emphasizing the open and honest conversations held during a recent dip in form. He stressed that there is no internal dissent, only a collective determination to fight through the challenges.
The core issue, Bellingham revealed, lies in their game management. A recurring pattern of conceding goals at critical moments forces them to abandon their preferred style of play and scramble for results. The team is actively analyzing these weaknesses internally.
Despite the external noise and mounting pressure, the players are focused on identifying the root causes of their struggles. They understand that outside opinions are unhelpful and are committed to finding solutions within the squad.
Currently seventh in the Champions League standings, Real Madrid still has a path to automatic qualification for the knockout stages. The coming weeks will be crucial, not just for their European ambitions, but for Alonso’s future at the Bernabéu.
