Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso could not conceal his anger on Sunday night after Fran García put his side under huge pressure during their tense meeting with Celta Vigo. The dramatic moment unfolded at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Los Blancos were already struggling unusually hard in a league match many assumed they would dominate.
From the opening stages, Madrid looked off the pace — their attack lacked urgency, their midfield couldn’t dictate play, and their defence appeared unsettled. This sluggish start allowed Celta Vigo to grow into the match, and Williot Swedberg eventually punished Madrid’s sloppiness with a composed finish to hand the visitors a well-earned 1–0 advantage.
As the second half wore on, Real Madrid pushed desperately for a response. But just when the team needed clarity and control, their situation went from bad to worse.
Fran García, already on thin ice after a reckless earlier tackle, made another rash challenge within moments of his first booking. The referee immediately flashed a second yellow card, leaving Madrid with ten men and a mountain to climb.
The reaction from the touchline was instant and furious. Xabi Alonso — typically calm, composed, and analytical — lost all patience.
Television cameras showed him shouting in García’s direction as the left-back made the long walk off the pitch, head down, clearly aware of the costly mistake he had made. Alonso’s frustration was easy to understand; the dismissal came at the worst possible time, with Madrid behind and struggling to produce any meaningful chances.
García’s sending off didn’t just disrupt the tactical setup — it exposed a broader issue that has been haunting Madrid in recent weeks: a troubling dip in concentration and discipline.
The poor decisions, the unnecessary fouls, and the emotional reactions are beginning to take a toll, threatening to derail Madrid’s momentum in the title race.
As García exited the field under the unforgiving gaze of the Bernabéu faithful, Alonso’s expression said everything. At a club that demands excellence, moments of carelessness carry heavy consequences. Now, Real Madrid must not only recover from a disappointing defeat but also address the mental lapses that sparked their manager’s fury.
