Xabi Alonso’s Turmoil Deepens as Real Madrid Struggles Continue

Xabi Alonso finds himself in a precarious position as the pressure mounts following another shaky performance from Real Madrid. The team, currently sitting second in La Liga, narrowly scraped through a match against Talavera de la Reina, a third-division side, winning 3-2 in the Copa del Rey. Despite leading 2-0 at halftime, Madrid faltered in the second half, allowing their opponents to close the gap twice before securing their place in the next round. This alarming trend raises serious questions about Alonso’s future at the helm.

In recent weeks, Real Madrid’s performances have been marked by inconsistency and a lack of creativity on the pitch. Against Talavera, the players seemed to lose focus and cohesion after the break, which is particularly concerning given that this was a match they were expected to dominate. The fact that they conceded two goals to a team languishing near the bottom of their league only amplifies the growing anxiety surrounding Alonso’s leadership. Furthermore, it highlights a stark contrast to their reserve team, Castilla, which managed a clean sheet against the same opponents just weeks earlier.

Alonso’s Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny

The Basque coach’s tactical choices have come under fire, especially during the crucial second half against Talavera. In an attempt to protect their lead, Alonso introduced Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham but instead saw his team retreat into a defensive shell. This shift not only stifled their attacking momentum but also invited pressure from Talavera, who capitalized on Madrid’s hesitance. Post-match, Alonso’s demeanor spoke volumes; his usually animated presence was replaced with an air of defeat as he sat on the bench looking visibly distressed.

A Coach on Shaky Ground

The atmosphere surrounding Alonso is increasingly tense. His post-match comments revealed a man grappling with uncertainty. He mistakenly referred to an upcoming fixture against Mallorca before quickly correcting himself to mention Sevilla. Such slip-ups may seem trivial but are indicative of the mental strain he is under as he navigates this turbulent period for the club. As he stated, “Our sole focus now is on the match against Sevilla,” underscoring the urgency of reversing their fortunes.

With 2025 drawing to a close, Alonso faces immense pressure to end the year on a high note at Santiago Bernabéu against Sevilla. The stakes have never been higher; failure to secure a positive result could very well lead to drastic changes within the club’s management structure. As Real Madrid continues to struggle with form and confidence, one can only wonder how much longer Xabi Alonso will remain at the helm.