Xabi Alonso faces ‘three finals’ as Real Madrid job hangs in the balance | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso was able to buy some much-needed time for himself after leading Real Madrid to three back-to-back wins to end 2025.

As we welcome 2026, Alonso’s future will be in focus again as the Spanish tactician continues to play on borrowed time.

Many believe the coming matches will dictate Xabi Alonso’s future at Real Madrid, with the club already looking at potential alternatives.

Xabi Alonso faces three finals

A recent report from AS has suggested that Alonso will essentially have to face three finals as Real Madrid look to kickstart 2026 on a positive note.

The first of these three finals will be against Real Betis, as the Verdiblancos are slated to travel to Santiago Bernabeu in what will be Real Madrid’s first game of 2026.

Any mishap here could allow Barcelona to extend their lead at the top of the league table, with third-placed Atletico Madrid not too far behind either.

The second final will take place in Jeddah, as Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup.

Xabi Alonso must ensure Real Madrid continue their winning momentum. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

It is a must-win game for Los Blancos, as Real Madrid board expects the team to win their first silverware under Alonso.

A win against Atletico Madrid will grant Real Madrid passage to the final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Barcelona and Athletic Club, which will invariably be Alonso’s third big final.

If Alonso can guide his team to victories in all three matches, he may have a decent shot of preserving his role as the Real Madrid boss.

However, if he falters in either of these three matches, especially in the Super Cup semifinal against Atleti, he could be on his way out.

The task won’t be easy whatsoever, especially with Real Madrid lacking a natural right-back while star player Kylian Mbappe has now picked up an injury.