By Martin Graham
The arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Bernabéu provoked strong hostility from the local fans, but at the final whistle it was Manchester City traveling support to celebrate a crucial Champions League victory that increased the pressure on Xabi Alonso. The presence of the ex-Barcelona coach has only sharpened the sting of the Madrid players, as his team fell to a 2-1 defeat.
Despite reports suggesting Alonso’s future was tied to the result, it is understood by all that he is not expected to be sacked immediately. However, they face a crucial stretch, with a trip to Alavés looming that could prove fatal if Real suffer a third consecutive defeat.
When the game ended, the stadium’s sound system blared at full volume, apparently in an attempt to mask any backlash. Many seats were already empty when the noise died down and the chorus of “Tenim Guardiola” rang out from the far end, a chant that will surely resonate with the home faithful.
Alonso admitted he had gone straight to his press duties after the final whistle and had not spoken to club president Florentino Perez. The executive board had already spent long hours debating the situation following the weekend’s defeat to Celta de Vigo, and further discussions seem inevitable.
Player commitment and tactical friction
of Real Madrid bright opening, finished by Rodrygo’s low finish, suggested a possible resurgence. However, two final concessions of the first half: a short-range strike Nico O’Reilly and one Erling Haaland penalty: quickly silenced the initially vibrant house ultras.
During the second half, from the 65th to the 71st minute, parts of the audience repeatedly expressed their displeasure, calling for more intensity. Madrid responded with sustained pressure, but the late push did little to ease concerns about Alonso’s position.
The fans seem divided, with many convinced that the squad did not apply the manager’s instructions correctly. The sense is that the players must adapt more to their demands and raise their contribution on the field of play.
Alonso’s tenure began with remarkable momentum, winning 13 of his first 14 games after arriving ahead of the Club World Cup. The slide began after the defeat at Liverpool on November 4, and since then Real have managed just two wins in eight games. Reports indicate cultural friction, with squad members hesitant to fully embrace his rigorous approach and unsure of the high-pressure structure they prefer.
Alonso insisted that the team put in a high-level effort, stressing that he had no complaints about his commitment. Jude Bellingham he echoed this, telling TNT Sport that the team was “100%” behind their manager, describing their internal discussions and rejecting any suggestion of surrender within the group.
Uncertain future and limited alternatives
The defeat leaves Alonso in a fragile position as he navigates each game under scrutiny. Real occupy second place in the national standings, four points behind Barcelona, and in the Champions League they occupy a place in the top eight only on goal difference. Since their triumph in the competition two years ago, the club have suffered five defeats in the group stage.
Marca journalist Juan Castro expressed deep pessimism about Alonso’s prospects, noting that back-to-back defeats at home have created an environment that traditionally leaves little room for survival. He has underlined the unmistakable approach of the Bernabéu by the coach and has defended that Pérez does not tolerate repeated setbacks.
Castro added that while removing Alonso might seem simple, identifying a suitable successor in December is much more complicated. Still, he suggested the situation now looks bleak for the current manager as pressure mounts.
