“We’re All Together” – Xabi Alonso Rallies Madrid After Pressure-Relieving Alavés Win
Xabi Alonso reached for unity rather than defiance after Real Madrid’s 2-1 LaLiga win at Alavés, a result that briefly quieted the noise around his future and kept the title race alive. On a tense night at Mendizorroza, Madrid responded to adversity, and their coach made it clear that togetherness was the message he wanted to send.
The victory mattered well beyond the three points. Coming off a difficult run and growing scrutiny from inside the club, Alonso needed a response from his players. He got one, even if it arrived late.
Madrid struck first through Kylian Mbappé in the opening half, continuing the forward’s strong scoring rhythm in the league. Alavés pushed back after the break and was rewarded when Carlos Vicente leveled, shifting momentum firmly toward the hosts. With the pressure rising, it was Rodrygo who stepped up, finishing calmly late on after a clever assist from Vinícius Júnior.
That goal did more than decide the match. It eased the immediate tension surrounding Alonso, whose position has been questioned following three league draws and a damaging defeat to Celta Vigo earlier this month. Those dropped points left Madrid four behind Barcelona at the top of the table, a gap that has framed every recent performance.
Speaking after the match, Alonso emphasized collective responsibility rather than individual brilliance. He stressed that the squad’s response under pressure was the most encouraging sign.
“We’re all together; we’re fighting together in the good moments and not-so-good moments,” Alonso said in his postmatch news conference. He highlighted Madrid’s strong start, their resilience after conceding, and the importance of regaining the lead late on. For the coach, unity was not a slogan but a necessity.
That message carried extra weight given the recent focus on Alonso’s man-management. His relationship with Vinícius Júnior has been under the microscope since the Brazilian reacted angrily to being substituted in October’s Clásico. On Sunday, cameras caught Alonso and Vinícius embracing after the winger was withdrawn late in the game, a small but telling moment in the context of recent speculation.
From Madrid’s perspective, the performance also reflected squad depth and adaptability. Alonso pointed to the number of absentees and singled out young defender Víctor Valdepeñas, who made his debut. It was another reminder that Madrid’s season is being shaped not just by stars, but by how effectively the coach navigates rotation and injuries.
“We’re very focused on doing our thing,” Alonso said. He praised the players’ commitment in a demanding schedule that offers little time to reset. Madrid are playing every three days, a rhythm that tests both physical freshness and tactical clarity.
Behind the scenes, however, the pressure has been real. ESPN reported that Madrid’s board discussed alternatives to Alonso following the loss to Celta Vigo on December 7, a defeat compounded days later by a 2-1 Champions League loss to Manchester City. Concerns reportedly centered on squad management and consistency, two areas that remain under evaluation.
Alonso did not shy away from acknowledging recent shortcomings. He admitted the Celta performance lacked key elements and framed the Alavés win as progress rather than a turning point. Consistency, he insisted, is the real challenge if Madrid wants to keep winning.
There was also frustration with officiating. Alonso felt his side should have been awarded a second-half penalty after a challenge on Vinícius, expressing surprise that the referee did not consult the Video Assistant Referee.
Madrid now faces two more matches before the Christmas break, away to Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey and then at home to Sevilla in LaLiga. Each game carries its own stakes, but the broader question remains unresolved.
If this win was about survival, the next few weeks will be about direction. Alonso has bought himself time. What he does with it may define Madrid’s season.