The future of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager is set to be decided this Sunday in a high-stakes Spanish Super Cup final against arch-rivals Barcelona in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. After a rocky period that nearly cost him his job, Alonso has steadied the ship with five consecutive victories, but the Clasico showdown represents a definitive make-or-break moment for the Spanish coach.
A Trophy or the Sack: The Stakes for Alonso
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who hired Alonso in June, has reportedly never been fully convinced by his appointment. Spanish media revealed that Alonso was on the brink of dismissal after the Champions League loss to Manchester City on December 10. However, the team's improved performance in that match and the subsequent winning streak granted him a temporary reprieve.
Lifting the Super Cup could cement Alonso's position, mirroring the effect it had for Barcelona's Hansi Flick last season. Flick's victory in this competition galvanised his team to a domestic double. Historically, the Super Cup winner has gone on to claim La Liga in each of the last four seasons. Despite this, Alonso downplayed the trophy's overall priority, calling it "the fourth" most important in the season's hierarchy.
Mbappe's Return and Tactical Headaches
Alonso receives a massive boost with the return of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who has recovered faster than expected from a knee sprain. Mbappe, with 29 goals in 24 appearances this season, is Madrid's top scorer and a proven threat against Barcelona, having netted six times in five Clasicos since joining.
However, his return presents a tactical dilemma. The team has not consistently performed at its peak when Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham all start together. Compounding this, Vinicius is in a poor run of form, failing to score in his last 16 outings for the club.
In contrast, Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes has become essential, breaking a 32-game scoring drought with three goals and three assists in his last five matches. Alonso faces critical selection decisions that could define the final's outcome.
Seeking Revenge and Cementing Legacies
The memory of last year's 5-2 thrashing by Barcelona in the same final, also held in Jeddah, looms large. Barcelona dominated Madrid with four wins in four encounters last season, though Alonso's side did secure a 2-1 La Liga victory over their rivals in October.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois emphasised the need for victory, stating, "We have to win, we lost two finals against them last year." He also acknowledged Barcelona's desire for revenge after their recent league defeat. For Xabi Alonso, Sunday is more than just a cup final; it's a battle for his managerial survival at the Bernabeu.
