The deafening jeers that greeted former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola before kick-off turned into away-fan cheers after Manchester City picked up a magnificent Champions League victory at Real Madrid that leaves Xabi Alonso clinging on to his job.
Guardiola’s connections with Real’s rivals was not forgotten by the home faithful and it is ironic that a Barca man might have been the person to hammer the final nail in Alonso’s coffin.
Despite reports beforehand stating Alonso could lose his job with a loss, BBC Sport understands his position is not under immediate threat and is likely to see out the next few days, but a third consecutive defeat at Alaves on Sunday could finally spell the end.
When the referee’s whistle was blown on the 2-1 loss to City on Wednesday, the music inside the venue was pumped up to maximum level, possibly to drown out any boos that may have been directed against Alonso.
By that point, many had already left and once the volume was turned down, “We’ve got Guardiola” was the chant echoing around the stunning Bernabeu stadium from the 2,500 travelling supporters, a moment which will sting all Madridistas.
Asked in the post-match news conference if he had spoken to chairman Florentino Perez, Alonso replied by saying: “I came straight here.”
The Madrid board discussed their options well into the night following the defeat by Celta Vigo on Sunday and it would be a major surprise if they were not to convene again.
Source: BBC
