Today could be a massive day for Xabi Alonso as he looks to cling on to his role as the Real Madrid manager by guiding his team to a win against Manchester City.
Many believe Alonso could be sacked if Real Madrid fail to secure three points against Pep Guardiola’s team, especially after a string of poor results.
Advertisement
However, things won’t be easy against a Man City team, who will be banking on Erling Haaland to hurt the Real Madrid defence.
With 20 goals in 20 matches in all competitions, Haaland has remained one of Europe’s most lethal forwards and is one of the players in focus heading into tonight’s encounter at Etihad.
A special game for Haaland
It must be noted that Haaland has been one of Real Madrid’s top attacking targets for quite some time now, but the Norwegian’s hopes of playing for the club faded when they settled for Kylian Mbappe in 2024.
Haaland will be looking to make an impression against Real Madrid. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Now playing for Man City in a renewed contract that doesn’t have any loopholes, Haaland will be the main threat for Real Madrid and indeed, Xabi Alonso, reports Diario AS.
With 54 goals in 53 matches, the former Dortmund striker has an impeccable record in the Champions League.
Interestingly, though, the young striker hasn’t performed so well against Real Madrid, netting just two goals in five matches. He has won only one of those five matches, with three ending in a draw.
He will look to improve those numbers at the Etihad tonight, taking advantage of a Real Madrid defence fractured by several injuries.
As far as Real Madrid are concerned, the onus will be on Antonio Rudiger to mark the forward tightly and nullify the threat he offers in the final third.