Real Madrid head into Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Manchester City under pressure after a shock weekend defeat to Celta Vigo, but coach Xabi Alonso insists his team must regroup swiftly.
Madrid saw their perfect home record in LaLiga crumble on Sunday as they fell 2-0 to Celta Vigo, a result that leaves them four points adrift of leaders Barcelona. With little time to dwell on the loss, the focus now shifts to their crucial European fixture.
“We need to turn the page as quickly as possible,” Alonso said on Monday, as Spanish media questioned his rapport with the squad amid a run of only one win in their last five league matches.
Reports have highlighted concerns over his tactical approach and ability to motivate the team. Alonso admitted the squad’s mounting injuries have complicated matters.
Madrid ended Sunday’s match with two red cards and defender Eder Militao added to a list of sidelined players that already includes David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen and Ferland Mendy.
Jude Bellingham, who suffered a cut above his eye, is still expected to face City.
“We’re struggling with injuries. It was hard for us to react,” Alonso said. “It hurts, we’re angry, and we understand the frustration. The situation is tight due to injuries. We have to make adjustments for each match.”
“We’re all united and know that we can turn things around,” he said. “There’s still a long way to go. You can have a bad game at home, but we have to look ahead.”