MADRID, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Xabi Alonso's position as Real Madrid coach looks to be on the line again as his side finishes the year 2025 with a home game against Sevilla.
Alonso eased some of the pressure a week ago thanks to a 2-1 win away to Deportivo Alaves in which his players gave an intense performance, but the poor image shown by his side in Wednesday's narrow 3-2 Copa del Rey win away to third tier, Talavera, looks to have undone any good gained in Vitoria, with the press strongly critical of the display.
That puts the pressure on Alonso again as his side ends the year against Sevilla in front of the demanding supporters in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The reality that it's home game for Real Madrid could make things harder for Alonso, because the supporters will not just demand a win, they will also be looking for a convincing performance, and if they don't see it, they will make their criticism seen and heard in front of the gaze of Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez.
"From the very start, we have had a close relationship of respect and affection, although the demands are very high," commented Alonso in Friday's pre-game press conference.
"This is a long road and we will have good moments and not so good moments," he added, before saying he and his players, "want to end the year on a high note with our third consecutive win and to start 2026 with energy and optimism."
Alonso still has a long injury list, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Trent Alexander Arnold all out injured and Alvaro Carreras suspended, but there is chance that Eduardo Camavinga, Eduardo Mendy and David Alaba could be available after injury.
Alonso advised that "they are good with the ball," but Sevilla has been irregular this season, even though last weekend's 4-0 win at home to a weak Oviedo has taken some pressure of coach Matias Almeyda.
Almeyda's job isn't helped by Nigerian duo, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, while other key players such as Ruben Vargas, Cesar Azpilicueta and Kike Salas are also out injured, although Alonso would do well to remember that Sevilla inflicted a heavy 4-1 defeat at home to FC Barcelona earlier this season.
A repeat of that score is unlikely in the Bernabeu, but with the pressure Alonso is under, if it pushes Real Madrid all the way on Saturday, the coach could be in for an unhappy Christmas. ■
