Xabi Alonso Delivers Brutal Reality Check as Real Madrid's Shocking Collapse Continues

Following setbacks against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano over a six-day period, Xabi Alonso maintained that Real Madrid are not experiencing a "crisis" as the November international break approaches.

Earlier in the week, Los Blancos appeared to be in complete command across all fronts. The Madrid club held a five-point advantage over Barcelona in La Liga and boasted an unblemished Champions League record.

However, Real Madrid endured a frustrating 1–0 loss at Anfield on Tuesday night and then could only secure a scoreless stalemate against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Alonso's previously potent offensive unit has now been neutralized in back-to-back fixtures.

Nevertheless, the Spanish manager is not prepared to hit the panic button at this stage.

"Is it a crisis? We understand our position," Alonso stated during his post-match media session. "I think that during both positive and negative periods, we must maintain our equilibrium.

"The campaign is lengthy and the expectations are incredibly demanding, but we accept this reality and prepare accordingly."

Real Madrid remain at the summit of La Liga following the stalemate, though they have provided Barcelona an opportunity to close the gap with a triumph over Celta Vigo on Sunday night. A Catalan victory would reduce Alonso's squad's lead to merely three points over their fierce competitors.

Alonso: Real Madrid Must Approach La Liga 'One Match at a Time'

Across 12 fixtures under Alonso in Spain's premier division, Real Madrid have accumulated 31 points. Only a stalemate with Rayo Vallecano and a comprehensive Madrid derby loss have marred their domestic run thus far.

"Following Anfield, we aimed to deliver a superior performance today. It's consistently challenging to establish our playing philosophy at Vallecas, and the second half could have unfolded in any direction," Alonso added.

"I don't chalk it up to emotional fluctuations; we maintain consistency in our preparation and mindset. La Liga requires a match-by-match approach, and today we failed to secure victory."

Competing at Vallecas presents perpetual difficulties for the Spanish powerhouse regardless of their La Liga form. Los Blancos haven't claimed an away victory at Rayo Vallecano since the 2021–22 campaign.

With Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior effectively contained, Real Madrid couldn't discover the spark of brilliance required to deliver a decisive strike against their opponents.

Despite the underwhelming outcome, Alonso recognizes that the season won't be determined by a single November draw.

"My focus remains on continuous development and enhancement. We must engage in positive and productive self-evaluation. We all understand our current status and objectives. It's November, plenty of time remains, and we must maintain elevated expectations."