Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the 2016 Spanish Super Cup semi-final was enough to save Xabi Alonso from being dismissed, according to Marca.
Real Madrid’s management would have sacked Alonso had they lost to Los Rojiblancos, regardless of the performance. The derby was considered a red line from the start, and another defeat, following the 5-0 thrashing in La Liga, would have ended the Basque coach’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Ultimately, Alonso escaped the axe, but a pressing question immediately arose regarding the Merengues’ stance on the coach should they lose the final against Barcelona.
It’s unlikely Alonso will be sacked if they lose the final. Real Madrid’s management reaffirmed their confidence in him after the Atlético Madrid match and believe that the Clásico presents a different, more complex challenge, especially given the numerous injuries the team has suffered recently.
Barring a humiliating defeat against arch-rivals Barcelona, 44-year-old Xabi Alonso remains in his position for the time being, especially given the dressing room’s support for the coach and Florentino Pérez’s preference to wait before making any decisions that could potentially derail Real Madrid’s season.
Under Alonso’s leadership, the Royal Club currently sits second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona. They have also amassed 12 points from their first six Champions League matches and reached the Round of 16 in the Copa del Rey.
The former Bayer Leverkusen coach took over at Real Madrid last May and has since overseen 27 matches, achieving 20 wins, three draws, and four losses.
