Real Madrid's hierarchy have thrown their support behind manager Xabi Alonso amid a power struggle at the club, despite a second successive home defeat leaving his future on a knife-edge. The hosts battled against Manchester City but fell to a 2-1 loss, extending their winless run to eight games.
Alonso watched his team take the game to City, going ahead through Rodrygo's first goal in 33 games. However, a scrappy equaliser and a disputed penalty turned the tide. Rodrygo ran to embrace his coach after scoring, a gesture of solidarity. 'It's a complicated moment for him too,' the Brazilian said. 'I wanted to show we are united.'
Late last Sunday, some in the club's hierarchy had been determined to sack Alonso after two wins in seven. The sentence was suspended, but this match was seen as a final judgment. Madrid competed well, with signs of life and spirit, but ultimately could not secure a dramatic draw, hitting the crossbar late on.
Alonso greeted City boss Pep Guardiola after the match and disappeared down the tunnel. 'This will pass,' he said. Guardiola had earlier advised Alonso to 'do it your way', implying decisions should be his own, not imposed by dressing room or boardroom.
Madrid were without several key players, including Kylian Mbappé due to a last-minute ankle injury. Alonso fielded an unusual starting XI, breaking from the star system. Dani Ceballos was a surprise inclusion as a playmaker. The performance was positive at times, but the team's ills have felt elementary, with Aurélien Tchouaméni suggesting it is down to the players to run.
