Xabi Alonso Under Intense Pressure at Real Madrid After Champions League Loss

Xabi Alonso faces mounting scrutiny at Real Madrid following a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League, with BBC Sport expert Rory Smith warning that the team's poor form could lead to his dismissal.

The loss marks Real Madrid's second win in eight matches, their worst run in four and a half years. Smith highlights that such a slump previously prompted Zinedine Zidane to resign, underscoring the club's uncompromising standards. Despite sitting second in La Liga, just four points behind leaders Barcelona, a string of frustrating draws against teams like Rio Ave, Elche, and Girona has eroded confidence.

While Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City's victory as valuable experience for their European campaign, the focus for Real Madrid is squarely on Alonso. Reports suggest tension with club president Florentino Pérez, with pundit Guillem Balagué discussing their strained relationship. Smith questions if Alonso, known for his tactical acumen, might be too much of a coach for Real Madrid's high-pressure environment, where results trump all.

Alonso, who joined just eight months ago, has yet to fully adapt to the Bernabéu spotlight. Fans and media speculate on potential successors, but Pérez's decision will be pivotal. This defeat intensifies the pressure cooker at one of football's biggest clubs, where even top talents like Alonso aren't immune to the sack.

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