MADRID:

Real Madrid manager faces mounting pressure ahead of a LaLiga visit to Alaves on Sunday, after a collapse in form has left his side second in the standings, four points behind leaders Barcelona.

What seemed a promising start to Alonso's spell at the Bernabeu has unravelled swiftly, with Real winning twice in their last eight games across all competitions.

A 2-0 league defeat by Celta Vigo last Sunday, followed by a midweek Champions League loss to Manchester City, both in front of sold-out crowds at home, have compounded the situation.

The former Real midfielder, who signed a three-year deal in May after impressing with Bayer Leverkusen, finds himself in an unusual must-win scenario as early as December.

Spanish media are rife with reports of internal discord, including clashe

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