Real Madrid face a critical juncture in their season as they travel to relegation-threatened Alaves on Sunday, with manager Carlo Ancelotti facing mounting scrutiny following their shocking 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League.
The Spanish champions now sit four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and must navigate this potentially tricky fixture while also preparing for Wednesday’s crucial second leg against Arsenal. This balancing act comes at a time when Madrid’s defensive frailties have been brutally exposed, conceding 11 goals in their last four matches.
“I feel responsible for what happened,” Ancelotti admitted after the Emirates debacle, where his team’s individual approach to chasing the game drew criticism. “We were not capable of a joint reaction, united. We tried too many individual moves, and that cost us because we lost our order.”
Spanish media outlets have begun speculating about Ancelotti’s future, with Marca suggesting he’s “playing for the credibility of his project, and maybe his position ahead of next season.” Former Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has led Bayer Leverkusen to unprecedented success this season, has emerged as a potential replacement.
The contrast with last season’s dominance is stark. After suffering just two defeats across all competitions in 2022-23, Madrid have already lost 11 times this campaign, highlighting a significant regression despite the addition of Kylian Mbappé last summer.
There are some positive developments for Los Blancos, with Dani Ceballos potentially returning from a leg injury that has sidelined him since February. Additionally, Aurélien Tchouaméni’s availability after missing the Arsenal match through suspension should provide much-needed defensive stability.
Alaves, sitting 17th in the table and fighting for survival, will sense an opportunity against this vulnerable Madrid side. The Basque club has proven capable of causing upsets at Mendizorroza this season and will look to capitalize on Madrid’s potential distraction with their upcoming European rescue mission.
For Ancelotti, Sunday’s match represents more than just three points—it’s a chance to restore confidence and credibility before attempting what would be a historic Champions League comeback.
