Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has called for a swift mental reset from his players after their disappointing 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo on Sunday, urging the squad to quickly refocus ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City. The defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu not only halted Madrid’s momentum but also exposed several issues that have troubled the team in recent weeks, from injuries to discipline and struggles to break down defensive-minded opponents.
The match turned into a frustrating evening for Los Blancos, who fell behind after Celta’s substitute Williot Swedberg entered the pitch and delivered a stunning performance. The young forward broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute before sealing the result deep into stoppage time, completing a brace that stunned the home crowd. Madrid’s situation grew more complicated as they were reduced to nine men following a pair of rapid-fire dismissals. Fran García received two yellow cards in the space of just two minutes, and not long after, Álvaro Carreras also picked up two bookable offences for dissent.
To make matters worse, defender Éder Militão was forced off with an injury in the 24th minute, adding to Madrid’s already lengthy list of absentees. The defensive reshuffle and loss of composure that followed left Alonso’s men exposed, contributing to a result that leaves them trailing arch-rivals Barcelona by four points in the LaLiga standings. Despite the gravity of the setback, Alonso encouraged his players to remain calm and maintain perspective.
“We’re all angry; it wasn’t the match we expected or the result we prepared for,” Alonso told AS after the game. He admitted that Militão’s early injury unsettled the team, forcing tactical adjustments that did not unfold as planned. “Militao’s injury hurt us from the start, and it took us a while to recover. It wasn’t the game we wanted, so we need to move on as quickly as possible.”
Alonso reminded the squad that the season is still long and one disappointing performance should not derail their broader ambitions. With Manchester City arriving in Madrid for a high-stakes Champions League fixture on Wednesday, the manager stressed the need for a rapid shift in morale and mindset. “It’s only three points,” he said. “There is a long way to go in the league. We have the Champions League on Wednesday to bounce back and get rid of this bad taste.”
The defeat was particularly notable because it ended Madrid’s 22-match unbeaten streak against Celta Vigo, stretching back to May 2014. Even more striking, it marked their first home loss to the Galician side in 19 years. Still, Alonso maintained that setbacks are part of the sport and must be handled with collective responsibility. “We all take responsibility for the good times and the not-so-good times,” he said. “We shouldn’t look too far ahead. We’re united and we know this is football. We have to look forward.”
The loss also carried statistical consequences. According to the Opta supercomputer, Real Madrid’s chances of winning LaLiga have now dropped to 29.9%, while Barcelona’s likelihood has risen to 63.6%. Though those numbers reflect the shift in momentum, Alonso refused to dwell on probabilities, focusing instead on improvement and attitude.
When questioned about Madrid’s recurring difficulties against opponents who sit deep in low defensive blocks, Alonso acknowledged the challenge but highlighted some positives. He noted that the team actually created more chances after going down to ten men, proof that the desire and intensity remain. “We have to create those opportunities; they’re situations we’ll face many times,” he said. “When we were down to ten men, we generated more. It’s a matter of working hard.”
Despite the frustration, Alonso insisted Madrid are still building a strong foundation. “The team wants to compete, wants to grow. We’re on the right track,” he added, reinforcing his belief that the setback is temporary and recoverable.