On Wednesday, Real Madrid hosted Manchester City in a portentous Champions League showdown that, for the home team, promised or threatened to mark a definitive before and after. Win, and Madrid could credibly claim the result as a turning point,

Even for Real Madrid, this has been an exceptionally dramatic week. The tensions and turbulence around Xabi Alonso came to a head after Sunday’s shambolic 2-0 home defeat against Celta Vigo in La Liga. It put his position in serious jeopardy, following a torrid run of form that has left them four points behind Clasico rivals Barcelona.

Real Madrid have only won two of their last eight matches piling pressure on their manager Xabi Alonso for Alaves trip.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso could make two changes to his starting side for Sunday night's La Liga contest with Celta Vigo at Bernabeu.