Xabi Alonso’s Coaching Debut in El Clásico
Xabi Alonso is set to make another El Clásico debut—this time from the dugout as a coach. His first encounter with Barcelona as a player back in November 2005 didn’t go as planned: despite Real Madrid having the upper hand, they fell to a 0-1 defeat, with Zlatan Ibrahimović coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in his first moment on the pitch.
Where Are Alonso’s Teammates From That Match Today?
Many of the players who shared the field with Alonso in that memorable clash have taken diverse paths since. From retail faces to professional cyclists and coaches, their careers have evolved in fascinating ways.
El Clásico: A Nightmare for Real Madrid Coaches
Historically, a first El Clásico has been brutal for Real Madrid managers. José Mourinho suffered a 0-5 thrashing in his debut, while others have lost their jobs following poor results in this high-stakes fixture.
Controversy and Mind Games: How Yamal Riled Real Madrid
Accusations of complaining and cheating have often surfaced in the buildup to El Clásico. Recently, Yamal’s antics stirred up tension, adding fuel to the fiery rivalry ahead of the latest encounter.
As Alonso steps into a new role, the legacy of his first El Clásico and the journeys of his former teammates remind us of the ever-evolving nature of football careers.
