Real Madrid Navigates Turbulent Waters After Champions League Defeat
MADRID, January 24, 2026 – Real Madrid finds itself under intense scrutiny following a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, a result that has amplified pressure on manager Xabi Alonso. The loss, coming days after a domestic setback against Celta Vigo, leaves Los Blancos third in their Champions League group and fighting to maintain their strong position in La Liga.
A Costly European Setback
The midweek clash at the Santiago Bernabéu saw Real Madrid take an early lead through Rodrygo in the 28th minute, only for Manchester City to strike back with two goals before halftime. Erling Haaland’s penalty and a Nico O’Reilly goal sealed a comeback victory for Pep Guardiola’s side. The defeat was compounded by the absence of injured star Kylian Mbappé, who watched from the bench as his team failed to find an equalizer.
The Alonso Pressure Cooker
The consecutive losses have placed manager Xabi Alonso squarely in the spotlight. Whistles from sections of the Bernabéu crowd at full-time underscored the growing frustration. Alonso has publicly insisted he retains the support of his players, but speculation about his future is rampant, especially with his mentor, Pep Guardiola, delivering the damaging blow.
2025/26 Squad at a Glance
The current Real Madrid squad blends legendary veterans with major acquisitions from the past year. The summer of 2025 saw significant investment to refresh the team’s core.
| Key 2025 Signings | Notable Squad Members |
|---|---|
| Trent Alexander-Arnold (D, Liverpool) | Thibaut Courtois (G) |
| Dean Huijsen (D, Bournemouth) | Dani Carvajal (D, Captain) |
| Álvaro Carreras (D, Benfica) | Jude Bellingham (M) |
| Franco Mastantuono (F, River Plate) | Vinícius Júnior (F) |
| Kylian Mbappé (F) |
Looking Ahead: A Critical Fixture Run
The schedule offers little respite. Real Madrid travels to face Benfica in the Champions League on January 28, a must-win match to improve their knockout stage seeding. This is followed by crucial La Liga fixtures against Rayo Vallecano and Valencia in early February. The team’s depth and Alonso’s tactical decisions will be tested during this period.
The Davies Saga: A Missed Opportunity
Real Madrid’s long-publicised pursuit of Canadian international Alphonso Davies reached a conclusion over a year ago, in January 2025, but not the one the club desired. After extensive rumours and reported agreement on personal terms, Davies ultimately signed a long-term contract extension with Bayern Munich. Madrid’s strategy to wait and secure the left-back on a free transfer in 2025 backfired, as Bayern presented a lucrative offer to keep their star in Bavaria. The episode highlighted a rare transfer market miscalculation for the Spanish giants, leaving a perceived need at the full-back position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Real Madrid’s position in La Liga?
As of late January 2026, Real Madrid is in a strong position in La Liga, having won 15 of their first 20 matches. They are currently second, trailing leaders Barcelona.
Who is the Real Madrid captain?
Following the departure of long-time stalwarts, right-back Dani Carvajal now wears the captain’s armband for Real Madrid.
Where can I watch Real Madrid matches in Canada?
UEFA Champions League matches are available on DAZN and CBS/Paramount+ platforms in Canada. La Liga matches are broadcast on TSN and streaming service DAZN. Always check local listings for the most accurate broadcast information.