Xabi Alonso backed by Spanish press after Real Madrid’s 1-2 loss to Manchester City | OneFootball

Under scrutiny after Real Madrid’s latest Champions League setback, Xabi Alonso was largely spared by the Spanish press, which cast the malaise as a team issue. Madrid have three defeats, three draws and two wins in their last eight matches.

Madrid lost 1-2 at home to Manchester City on Wednesday night. According to As, there was optimism in defeat, the dressing room mobilised in support of Alonso and the coach is not alone.

Elsewhere, coverage said the result deepened the pressure on Alonso, highlighting a better attitude but a lack of cutting edge, and questioning Madrid’s credit.

Some columns linked the recent slide to tensions after Vinicius was withdrawn during the late-October Clásico, suggesting an internal wound has not healed.

Catalan reports also tempered their criticism, noting an improved image against City that offers a short reprieve, while arguing Alonso’s future hinges on regaining control of the dressing room, with Vinicius’s influence cited as an obstacle.

There were boos in the second half at the Bernabéu. The official line is that Alonso will be in place for the Spanish Super Cup, though outcomes could still dictate.

An editorial even floated a return for Zinédine Zidane, arguing that, with him ready to step in, the logic of football points to Alonso’s days being numbered.

Source: L'Équipe