Frustrated Alonso Urges Real Madrid to Respond to Man City

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso urged his players to recover swiftly following a tough loss to Celta Vigo on Sunday, as they prepare to take on Manchester City in the Champions League.

Los Blancos have secured victory in only two of their previous seven matches across various tournaments, suffering a 2 zero home defeat by Celta in La Liga, which has placed them four points adrift of table toppers Barcelona.

Madrid ended the match with nine players on the pitch after Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras received red cards, just before their European encounter with Pep Guardiola's City on Wednesday.

"Everyone is frustrated, clearly this was not the performance we aimed for, nor the outcome we desired," Alonso stated to journalists at the Bernabeu.

"We must move on as fast as we can. It is just three points lost.

"The Champions League fixture versus City offers us a chance to respond and shake off this disappointment."

Alonso's team has faced challenges in maintaining consistency lately, sparking discussions in Spanish press about his position at the club.

When questioned if the City match could determine his tenure, Alonso emphasised it was solely about the points up for grabs.

"We are competing for three points in the Champions League, a tournament where we hold a strong standing, and that is our focus," Alonso added.

"However, we aim to deliver a strong performance, to showcase a much improved level compared to today. We are aware of our potential."