Today’s away match between Real Madrid and Olympiacos at Karaiskakis Stadium will be decisive for Xabi Alonso’s future, considering the team's recent alarming decline. Madrid enters this Champions League fifth round under significant pressure following three consecutive winless games. After losing to Liverpool at Anfield, they settled for two disappointing domestic draws against Rayo Vallecano and Elche.
A fourth straight stumble is totally unacceptable to the board. Management is deeply concerned by the drop in performance, the sudden loss of their early-season identity, and the coach's difficult relationship with several players. Consequently, this fixture represents a true turning point for the Spanish manager.
The team desperately needs a victory to restore lost confidence and calm the tense atmosphere before the season’s critical phase. Alonso understands that anything less than a win tonight could prove fatal for his tenure, making this high-stakes encounter a massive battle for his own professional survival.