Embattled Alonso wants Real to end 2025 on positive note

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Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Real Madrid v Manchester City - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - December 10, 2025 Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso REUTERS/Susana Vera

Dec 19 - Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wants to leave the clubs recent struggles behind and end the year on a high with a win over Sevilla on Saturday to keep the pressure on LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

Alonsos men ‍were ​five points clear at the top before their form took a ‍downturn in November. They drew three league games in a row before suffering a shock loss to Celta Vigo at ​home earlier ​this month, allowing champions Barcelona to surge four points ahead in the title race.

Real have shown signs of a turnaround with two wins in their last three league games, but Alonso, who has been ‍under pressure due to the teams inconsistent form, is eager to go into the Christmas break on a ​positive note.

We want to finish well, its ⁠been a tough and difficult period. We want to start 2026 well, Alonso told reporters on Friday.

The opposition is tough, they demand a lot, they play one-on-one situations, the players go for the tackle a lot. Theyre good with the ball. We ​want people to enjoy themselves.

Asked about his relationship with club management, Alonso said he was on good terms with them despite ‌the high expectations, with Real looking to recapture ​their success of the 2023-24 season, when they won the Spanish top-flight and