Alonso has won only twice in his last eight matches across all competitions, a run that has dragged Real off the top of La Liga and left their Champions League campaign in a precarious position.

The defeat to City, coming just four days after a shock loss to Celta Vigo, led to boo from supporters and renewed speculation that patience inside the boardroom was wearing thin.

However, senior Real Madrid officials are understood to have been encouraged by the team’s improved intensity and structure against City, even without injured star Kylian Mbappé. The club hierarchy believes the performance showed signs of recovery and does not intend to make an immediate change.

Rodrygo’s goal followed by a pointed celebration in Alonso’s direction and Jude Bellingham’s public backing has helped steady internal confidence. Players are said to remain behind the manager, despite rumors suggesting unrest inside the dressing room in recent days.

Real registered 16 shots on Wednesday but struggled for efficiency, landing only one on target and missing several clear chances. Vinícius Júnior’s ongoing dip in form is also a growing concern, with the Brazilian without a league goal since early October.

The loss leaves Real four points behind Barcelona heading into the final stretch before the winter break. Alonso’s side face three more games away to Alavés, a Copa del Rey trip to Talavera, and a home clash with Sevilla in what many inside the club view as a critical spell.

Alonso, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in May, insisted he understands the pressure. “When you are at Real Madrid, this comes with the job,” he said post-match. “You have to face difficult moments with clarity and responsibility. There are positives, there are things to fix, and we still have time to turn it around.”

Injuries in defence and suspensions have complicated selection in recent weeks, but the club’s stance remains that Alonso will be given the opportunity to navigate the crisis through the New Year provided results stabilise before the break.

For now, Real Madrid are standing firm. But with the gap to Barcelona widening and Champions League qualification still not guaranteed, Alonso’s margin for error is shrinking quickly.