Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso insists he remains upbeat despite growing scrutiny ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League group-stage showdown with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The Spaniard believes his side can recover from their recent slump in form.

Madrid slipped to a 2–0 defeat at Celta Vigo on Sunday, finishing the match with just nine men following red cards to defenders Fran García and Álvaro Carreras. The result leaves them second in LaLiga on 36 points, four adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Complicating matters further, Alonso could be without up to eight first-team regulars. Top scorer Kylian Mbappé did not train on Tuesday due to a muscle issue, placing his involvement in doubt.

“Football can change in a moment — sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse,” Alonso said in Tuesday’s press conference. “We’ve already reflected on the Celta match. Now everything is focused on City. It’s the Champions League, we’re at the Bernabéu. The atmosphere will be different, and that’s where our attention is — on what comes next.”

With speculation around his position increasing, Alonso brushed aside talk of his job being on the line.

“When you’re the coach of Real Madrid, you must be ready for these kinds of moments. We’re strong together — united,” he said. “The disappointment is normal, but the only thing we’re thinking about now is City.”

Wednesday’s meeting marks the 13th encounter between the two teams over the past ten years — a rivalry fueled by their shared dominance in Europe. Real claimed Champions League titles in 2022 and 2024, eliminating City in both campaigns, while Guardiola’s side took their first crown in 2023, knocking out Madrid in the semi-finals.

Despite just two wins from their last seven games in all competitions, Alonso maintained a positive outlook.

“We’re united and convinced this is an opportunity,” he said. “We need the energy of the Bernabéu behind us. If we can tap into that, we’ll have a real chance.”

“Football is about learning and adapting. Some days go well, others don’t,” he added. “But every match helps us move forward. Tomorrow gives us that challenge — and we have to step up to it.”

Heading into matchday, Real sit fifth in the Champions League table with 12 points, three behind leaders Arsenal, while City are ninth on 10 points as they chase a top-eight place and automatic qualification for the last 16.