Can Xabi Alonso Survive at Real Madrid After Difficult Start to 2025-26 Season?

Xabi Alonso has managed to reach the Christmas break as Real Madrid manager, but there is precious little comfort or joy at the Santiago Bernabeu as 2025 draws to a close. The 44-year-old former Bayer Leverkusen coach survived what many believed could be a season-defining stretch, but his position remains precarious despite three consecutive victories.

For much of the past month, speculation swirled that Alonso would not be “eating his Christmas turron”—a Spanish phrase for managers sacked before the winter break. A shaky 2-0 La Liga victory over Sevilla on Saturday provided temporary respite, but the performance did little to silence critics.

The reality is stark: despite finishing 2025 with three straight wins, Real Madrid’s performances have been unconvincing. What began as a promising tenure in May has deteriorated into a struggle for survival, with the legendary midfielder fighting to implement his vision while managing player discontent and intense scrutiny from club president Florentino Perez.

The Current Crisis

Real Madrid’s transformation from La Liga leaders to Barcelona’s pursuers tells the story of Alonso’s turbulent first season. In early November, Madrid enjoyed a five-point lead. Two months later, that advantage has become a four-point deficit—a dramatic nine-point swing in Barcelona’s favor.

The decline has been accompanied by performances bearing little resemblance to the high-intensity football that made Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side so impressive. Instead, Madrid’s displays have often recalled the lethargic football that characterized Carlo Ancelotti’s final stages last season—the very issues Alonso was hired to address.

Madrid’s only truly convincing performance in two months came in a 3-0 victory at Athletic Club on December 3. Otherwise, the team has struggled to demonstrate tactical excellence and collective intensity.

The Promise vs. The Reality

When Xabi Alonso took over in May 2025, he promised supporters “emotion and joy” along with modern, high-pressing football. The disconnect between those promises and what has been delivered is why Florentino Perez has withheld public support.

Instead of backing Alonso, Perez has spent recent weeks railing against perceived external enemies, including Spanish referees, while conspicuously avoiding statements of confidence in his manager.

The power dynamics at the Bernabeu were exposed during the October 26 El Clasico, when Perez appeared to side with Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian’s angry reaction to being substituted. The controversy overshadowed a 2-1 victory that ended four consecutive heavy defeats in the fixture.

Recent Embarrassments

Last Wednesday’s Copa del Rey tie at Talavera de la Reina epitomized Real Madrid’s dysfunction. Despite fielding a strong lineup against a third-tier side, Madrid went 2-0 up by halftime only to require a last-gasp save from Andriy Lunin to escape with a 3-2 victory.

More damaging was what Spanish TV revealed afterward. Video footage showed players including Vinicius Junior, Endrick, and Franco Mastantuono laughing on the bench during the frantic final moments, apparently amused by the potential disaster. While Alonso nervously conferred with assistants, key squad members seemed detached.

At Friday’s pre-Sevilla press conference, when asked how he felt after such a difficult period, Alonso’s true emotions briefly escaped: “I’m fine, I hope you are too, journalists. I see you more than my family these last months. But I’m feeling good, motivated, with energy, strong, looking forward to ending the year well.”

Fan Reaction and Player Discontent

The Bernabeu crowd’s reaction during Saturday’s victory over Sevilla provided clear insight into where supporters place blame for the team’s struggles. Vinicius Junior was regularly whistled throughout the match, with the jeers intensifying when he was substituted in the 83rd minute.

The Brazilian’s current form represents a major concern for Madrid. He has now gone 14 consecutive games without scoring, a drought that coincides with reports that he told Perez he would not renew his contract while his relationship with Alonso remains strained. Vinicius’ current deal expires in June 2027.

Defender Dean Huijsen also faced supporters’ ire for repeatedly giving away possession and allowing dangerous Sevilla counter-attacks. The 20-year-old’s struggles mirror the team’s broader decline. After settling quickly following his £50 million transfer from Bournemouth in June, Huijsen has looked nervous and unsure since returning from injury, coming into an XI that constantly changes and appears to lack consistent tactical identity.

A Marca poll published Monday revealed overwhelming supporter sentiment: 76 percent of over 100,000 voters would keep Alonso as coach, while 61 percent believe players bear most guilt for the team’s form. Remarkably, 86 percent voted to sell Vinicius Junior, suggesting fans’ patience with the Brazilian has evaporated.

Tactical Compromises and Squad Limitations

Xabi Alonso has apparently realized that transforming Real Madrid into the intense, tactically excellent machine he built at Bayer Leverkusen is impossible given current circumstances. Squad deficiencies—particularly lacking a midfielder who can control tempo—combine with resistance from big-name players to his detailed instructions.

Following complaints from stars, Alonso has reduced tactical and video sessions. This represents a significant retreat from his initial philosophy. The “Fantastic Four”—Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo—started together in the past two La Liga matches for the first time under Alonso, a compromise that makes collective pressing nearly impossible.

This reliance on individual brilliance rather than systematic excellence echoes Ancelotti’s final stages—precisely what Alonso was hired to change.

Circumstances have conspired against Alonso beyond player resistance. Injuries to most of the squad’s best defenders have forced constant lineup changes. Additionally, Madrid played a record 67 official games in 2025, including last summer’s Club World Cup, which severely limited pre-season preparation.

What Happens Next?

The winter break offers Alonso time to “rest, analyse and reflect” on how to better organize available players and communicate his tactical vision. However, he does so knowing that without rapid improvement in results and performances, Perez could dismiss him at any moment.

Madrid face a challenging start to 2026 that could determine Alonso’s fate:

January 4: Real Betis (La Liga home fixture) – Betis sit sixth and have lost just one of their past five meetings with Madrid.

January 8: Atletico Madrid (Supercopa de Espana semi-final) – A team that demolished Madrid 5-2 in September.

January 11: Potential Supercopa final vs Barcelona or Athletic Club (if Madrid beat Atletico).

These fixtures offer little margin for error. A poor run could see Alonso dismissed before January ends, regardless of the extenuating circumstances he faces.

There is no indication that Perez will provide January reinforcements, meaning Alonso must work with his current squad while managing player discontent, tactical resistance, and relentless media scrutiny. The club shows no signs of selling Vinicius Junior despite fan sentiment, nor has any club made an offer for the Brazilian.

Xabi Alonso’s survival to Christmas represents a minor victory in what has become a battle for his Real Madrid future. The three consecutive wins to end 2025 bought him time, but little else. The performances remain unconvincing, player relationships strained, and supporter patience wearing thin.

The disconnect between what Alonso promised—modern, high-intensity football played with “emotion and joy”—and what Real Madrid have delivered reveals the enormous challenge of managing one of world football’s most demanding clubs. Transforming a squad resistant to tactical discipline while dealing with unprecedented fixture congestion and a mounting injury crisis would challenge any manager.

As Alonso prepares to enjoy his Christmas turron with family, he does so knowing that January could bring either vindication or dismissal. The winter break offers a chance to reset, but the margin for error when the season resumes will be razor-thin.

Asked what he wished for in 2026, Alonso answered philosophically: “I’d like to begin to get players back from injury, to have more options. I’m ready for whatever comes. I’m not one to ask for much.”

Before leaving his final press conference of the year, he offered one last message with a smile: “Season’s greetings to everyone.” Whether he remains Real Madrid manager long enough to see those greetings fulfilled remains very much in question.

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