Xabi Alonso deployed a head-scratching XI on Sunday evening, benching Vinícius Júnior for Rodrygo and giving the nod to Fran García and Dani Ceballos in the midfield. The gamble did not pay off for the Real Madrid boss, who watched his side put forth an abysmal effort at the Estadio Martínez Valero until he made second-half substitutions.

A growing contingent of Real Madrid players are of the opinion that manager Xabi Alonso should be sent packing by the club at the earliest opportunity.

Recent weeks, however, have seen the pressure on him multiply manifold, especially after the team lost to Liverpool and drew against Rayo Vallecano before the international break.