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"LACKED ACCURACY": ALONSO PINPOINTS WHY REAL MADRID DROPPED POINTS
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso blamed a lack of accuracy for the 1-1 draw, stressing the need for better attacking play. He insists the title race is still wide open.
After Sunday's 1-1 draw against Girona, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso spoke to the media. When asked about their chances to win the title this season, he said, The second half was better; we pushed harder and made more chances. We could have won, but our aim wasn't right. Not winning isn't good, but we're still in it. It's a long season, and we have to keep at it.
About what the team needs, Alonso said, A season has ups and downs. We were steady at the start, but things have changed lately. Today, the second half was much better than the first, and we came back. The team wanted to get past the 1-0 score. But we didn't finish well, as we had three or four clear shots in the box to score a second goal and win. We need to keep up the standards of playing for Real Madrid. This is a long season.
When asked about complaints about the players’ moods, Alonso said, No, I don't have any. I liked the reaction today; it wasn’t enough, but we almost made it. We have to stick together, and we need to be honest with ourselves. We want to win when we play away from home. We have a chance in Bilbao on Wednesday, so we’ll see what happens.
On playing attacking football, Alonso said, “We couldn’t play good, attacking football and be in charge. We did much better in the second half. That’s what we want. We need to work out why we didn’t do it and try to start strong or keep that level we had in the second half. I said the same at the press conference the other day, and things are still the same today.”
Talking about Athletic Club, Alonso mentioned, “It’s another chance to win away from home. It's going to be a long season, and the standings will be close, so the points matter. Things will switch back and forth a lot. We’re playing for three points, so yes, Bilbao is a good time to win. We need it and want it. After today, we’ll see how we can play better.
Lastly, on the Rodrygo incident, Alonso commented, “I didn’t see it, but I heard about a VAR review because of the contact. That's odd, but we'll have to take a look. Those moments can change the whole game.”
SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS: ANALYTICAL LOOK AT TWO BLUNDERS COSTING XABI ALONSO'S JOB
Xabi Alonso's job is at risk after Real Madrid suffered a chaotic defeat to Man City, sealed by crucial errors from Courtois and Rudiger within seven minutes.
If this was the night Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid dream died, he'll leave the Bernabeu knowing the wounds were self-inflicted.
This game showed just how unpredictable football management can be.
Needing a win to relieve pressure after a shaky spell, Alonso's team seemed in control after Rodrygo's goal. Even without Mbappe, nursing a knee injury, Real was the better team. Man City looked strangely uncertain and couldn't get a grip on the game.
But goals can shift everything, mostly when a team's confidence is low.
Then came two quick errors: Courtois gifting O'Reilly an easy goal and Rudiger fouling Haaland for a penalty that was converted. Real went from control to chaos in seven minutes.
That’s how it stayed. As Real got nervous, City took over and secured a win that puts their Champions League fate in their own hands, with games against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray coming up.
As for Alonso, things look tough. After the game, following his team's fruitless late efforts, he shook Guardiola's hand and headed down the tunnel. The Real anthem played, but without the fans' voices, it felt like a funeral march, which may be how things turn out.
On paper, Real's season isn't a disaster. Slot at Liverpool would take it. They're second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona, and in the Champions League spots. But the mood in Madrid is bad, and Alonso's job might be at risk. This was their second loss to an English team in Europe, and they've only won two of their last eight games.
The city doesn't care about that. They came here with bad memories of past games at the Bernabeu and some doubts about their own European form. They left with their fate in their hands and deserved the win.
After equalizing, they were the better team and could have scored more.
Early on, they had to hang on. Real even had a penalty shout within two minutes after City lost the ball in midfield.
Real created an opening on the left, and when Nunes tripped Vinicius Junior, it looked like a clear penalty. It was given, but VAR showed the foul was just outside the box. Valverde's free kick went wide.
City struggled to get into the game and were vulnerable on the wings. Rodrygo found space on the right, and his cross to Vinicius Junior was well-timed. But Donnarumma should have done better than let Vinicius lift the ball over him and wide.
Real kept pressing and eventually scored. Silva lost a challenge, allowing Real to switch the ball and create an opening. Bellingham helped the ball to Rodrygo, who finished well.
City seemed in trouble, but a goalkeeping howler gave them a way back. Courtois pushed a header into O'Reilly's path, and he scored.
Then, a lifeline turned into an advantage. A city corner was cleared, but VAR spotted Rudiger pulling Haaland. Haaland scored the penalty, and City led.
Courtois then saved well from Haaland and Cherki, and in the second half from Silva and Doku. But his earlier mistake changed the game, and Real never recovered.
Bellingham missed a chance and took his frustration out on the advertising boards. Later on, there were a couple of headed chances that might have leveled the score on another day.
But this wasn't Alonso's day, and it might have been his last.
LEFT-BACK NIGHTMARE: REAL MADRID FACES DEFENSIVE VOID AFTER MASS SUSPENSIONS
An analysis of Real Madrid's suspension woes: Endrick's final La Liga match is confirmed, while defensive gaps force Coach Alonso to make tough tactical calls.
Real Madrid's recent loss to Celta Vigo wasn't just a simple defeat; the team is struggling right now. To make matters worse, four players are now suspended for upcoming games.
In the match against Celta Vigo, Fran Garcia received two yellow cards, while Alvaro Carreras and Endrick Felipe were ejected for arguing with the referee. Dani Carvajal, the team captain, was also noted for comments he made to the referee, even though he wasn't playing.
Now, all four players know their punishment. Carreras, Endrick, and Carvajal will each miss two games, while Garcia will only sit out one game because his sending off was due to two yellow cards, according to Sport.
This means all four will be out for the game against Alaves this weekend. Carreras, Endrick, and Carvajal will also miss the final game of 2025 against Sevilla.
The suspension hits Endrick harder since he's expected to leave Real Madrid for Lyon in January. This means his season with Real Madrid is likely over, unless he plays in the Champions League game against Manchester City or the Copa del Rey match against CF Talavera de la Reina.
For Carvajal, the suspension doesn't really change anything. He's still recovering from a knee injury and isn't expected back until January or February, so he wouldn't have been available for the Alaves or Sevilla games anyway.
Real Madrid probably won't have a natural left-back for the Alaves game since Ferland Mendy is injured. But Garcia will return for the Sevilla game the following weekend, which is some welcome news for coach Xabi Alonso.
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