Carlo Ancelotti under pressure as Real Madrid visit Alaves in La Liga clash

Real Madrid must recover from Arsenal defeat to stay in the La Liga title race.

Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid, pictured during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Arsenal Stadium on April 8, 2025, in London, England. Photo by James Gill/Danehouse

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

With just a handful of games remaining in the La Liga season, Carlo Ancelotti is under pressure to steady his Real Madrid side as they head to Alaves on Sunday. The reigning Spanish and European champions have stumbled into a dangerous slump at the worst possible time, and their recent form is beginning to threaten both their domestic title hopes and their European ambitions.

Ancelotti’s position, once secure and unquestioned, is now being scrutinized heavily by Spanish media and fans alike. The Italian manager’s calm exterior remains, but cracks have begun to show after Madrid’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League earlier this week. That result, coupled with inconsistent domestic performances, has left Los Blancos four points behind leaders Barcelona, who travel to Leganes a day earlier.

The narrative leading into Sunday’s clash at Mendizorrotza is no longer just about the title race. It’s about a team in crisis, a coach fighting for his future, and a group of players searching for confidence and rhythm in the final stretch of the season. Carlo Ancelotti under pressure is no longer a whisper—it's a headline.

A team unravelling at the worst time

In the last four matches, Real Madrid have conceded 11 goals—an unusually high tally for a side renowned for its defensive organization and experience. The back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Valencia have exposed both tactical frailties and psychological fragility. Alaves, sitting 17th in the table and fighting for their survival, may not possess the attacking firepower of Madrid's recent opponents, but they will see a vulnerable champion in front of them.

Ancelotti acknowledged the team's struggles after the defeat at the Emirates Stadium. “I feel responsible for what happened,” he said in a post-match interview. “It was not the Real Madrid I know, and we must find our identity again before it’s too late.”

That sense of urgency is now echoed throughout the club. Madrid must navigate the second leg against Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, but before that, the focus must be firmly on avoiding a slip-up in Vitoria. Anything less than a win on Sunday could see them fall even further behind Barcelona, possibly ending their hopes of retaining the La Liga title.

Pressure mounting on Ancelotti

It’s rare for a manager of Ancelotti’s stature to be openly questioned, but Real Madrid is a club where success is demanded relentlessly. According to several Spanish outlets, club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly reconsidering Ancelotti’s future at the helm, especially if Madrid fail to reach the Champions League final or surrender the league title to arch-rivals Barcelona.

Carlo Ancelotti under pressure is a scenario few would have predicted earlier this season when Madrid cruised through the Champions League group stage and remained unbeaten in their first 15 domestic games. But football, especially at a club like Real Madrid, is always judged in the moment. Reputations are as fragile as form, and Ancelotti’s legendary status may not be enough to protect him if results don’t improve immediately.

Squad struggling with fatigue and form

Part of the issue facing Madrid is the clear fatigue within the squad. Veterans like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos have looked increasingly tired, while younger players such as Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. have shown flashes of brilliance but lack consistency. Injuries have also disrupted Madrid's balance, especially in defense.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s decisions—once praised for their pragmatism—are now being second-guessed. Fans and pundits have questioned his substitutions, tactical rigidity, and even team selection. The question on everyone’s mind is whether he can turn things around before it’s too late.

Alaves aim for an upset

While all eyes are on Madrid’s implosion, Alaves quietly prepare for one of the most important matches of their season. Sitting just above the relegation zone, every point counts for Luis García Plaza’s side. And facing a Real Madrid low on confidence presents a rare opportunity.

Historically, Madrid have dominated this fixture, but the mood and momentum suggest this will not be a routine win. The home crowd at Mendizorrotza will be roaring, hoping their side can exploit the visitors’ current fragility. Alaves will be buoyed by Madrid’s recent defensive collapses and will likely press early, seeking to rattle a nervous backline.

The week that could define Madrid’s season

Real Madrid’s week could not be more pivotal. On Sunday, they face a trap game in La Liga. On Wednesday, they try to pull off a comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals. Two defeats could signal the end of their season’s ambitions. Two wins could spark a revival and silence the critics.

For Ancelotti, it’s personal. He has won everything at club level and commands immense respect, but Real Madrid is a different beast. It demands not just success, but consistent, unrelenting excellence.

Carlo Ancelotti under pressure is not a media creation—it’s a lived reality, unfolding now in real time. For the coach, the players, and the fans, the next seven days could determine the story of the entire season.

In a season filled with twists, this chapter feels especially dramatic. Carlo Ancelotti, the calm and composed tactician, finds himself fighting to keep Madrid in contention on two fronts. The Alaves fixture is no longer just a league game—it’s a test of character, strategy, and leadership.

And while a victory might not answer all questions, it could at least provide a much-needed lifeline. For now, though, the headlines remain firm: Carlo Ancelotti under pressure, and Madrid walking a tightrope between glory and collapse.