Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid era reaches crossroads with Manchester City test after Celta Vigo shock and La Liga slippage

Key Highlights

• According to an AFP report, Alonso’s position is under increasing scrutiny after Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo, even as he publicly insists the City clash is about points, not job security.
• The toughest test with pressure already peakingThe Celta loss was ugly in every sense.
• Madrid’s perfect home league record vanished, Williot Swedberg scored twice, Jude Bellingham left the pitch with blood streaming from a cut above his eye, and Madrid finished with nine men after red cards for Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras.
• It was only their second league defeat in 16 games, but it capped a run of just wins in seven across all competitions and allowed Barcelona to stretch their lead at the top to four points - a brutal swing given Madrid had led by five after El Clásico in October.
• Alonso did not sugarcoat the performance.