Real Madrid has been unrecognizable for several weeks. © APA/afp / THOMAS COEX

A crucial game for Real Madrid, Juve must deliver

Xabi Alonso is in the hot seat for Wednesday evening's match against Manchester City. Juventus, on the other hand, desperately need to get their Champions League campaign underway.

10 December 2025

From: dpa/nie

According to Spanish media, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso's job is already on the line ahead of the Champions League top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City. After only two wins in their last seven matches, Wednesday's game (21.00 p.m. CET) at the Bernabéu Stadium is a do-or-die match – or, as the usually well-informed newspaper put it, a crucial one. Brand The headline on page one read: “A final for Xabi”.

Alonso denied media reports that he was unpopular with many of his key players the day before the crucial match. He insisted he enjoyed the support of the entire squad. "The team is united and convinced that we can win tomorrow," he said ahead of the pivotal game. He added: "When you're Real Madrid's coach, you have to be prepared to handle situations like this calmly and responsibly."

Crisis meeting after bankruptcy

The pressure is immense: After the 0-2 defeat at home against Celta Vigo, which increased the gap to league leaders and arch-rivals FC Barcelona, ​​coached by Hansi Flick, to four points, media reports indicate that a crisis meeting of the club's management, led by President Florentino Pérez (79), took place on Monday night. The boss and real estate magnate is said to have confronted Alonso after the final whistle, saying: "Something has to change here, and the solutions must come immediately."

Xabi Alonso is under fire at Real Madrid. © ANSA / Sergio Perez

Rumors are already swirling in Madrid. Former Real Madrid coaches Zinedine Zidane and José Mourinho are being mentioned as possible successors, as is Jürgen Klopp. Former club player Alvaro Arbeloa, currently coaching the reserve team, is also said to have a chance.

Juventus are anything but royal

The term "do-or-die game" can also be applied to Juventus – but not in reference to the coach. Since Luciano Spalletti took over at the end of October, the Bianconeri initially remained unbeaten in seven consecutive matches (four wins, three draws). It was only last Sunday that they suffered their first defeat (1-2) against champions Napoli. A lapse for which the former Italian national team coach took responsibility. "In Naples, I harmed the team with my decisions," he said at Tuesday's press conference.

Juventus suffered a defeat against Napoli. © APA/afp / CARLO HERMANN

In their home game against the underdog from Cyprus (21.00 p.m.), Juve are aiming to get back on track. However, this won't be easy. "The lads are taking me on a rollercoaster ride – beautiful plays, great intuition, and then the sudden braking. We need to find the consistency we haven't yet achieved," Spalletti said, addressing existing shortcomings.

So far, the Champions League has not been a happy hunting ground for the Italian record champions. In five matches, Juve have only managed one win, with three draws and one loss. With six points, the Bianconeri sit in 24th place – the last spot that qualifies for the playoffs. Paphos also have six points, but due to a worse goal difference, they are in 25th place.

Champions League: Wednesday's matches

Villarreal – Copenhagen (6:45 pm)
Qarabag – Ajax

Real Madrid – Manchester City (21.00 p.m.)
Borussia Dortmund – Bodo Glimt
Juventus – Paphos
Bayer Leverkusen – Newcastle United
Benfica – Napoli
Club Brugge – Arsenal
Athletic Bilbao – Paris Saint Germain