Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso could not hide his frustration on Sunday evening after Fran García put his team in a difficult position during their tense clash against Celta Vigo. The incident unfolded at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Los Blancos were already struggling to assert control in a La Liga match that many expected them to win comfortably.
From the early moments of the game, Real Madrid appeared unusually flat and disjointed. Their attacking play lacked sharpness, their midfield struggled to maintain rhythm, and their defensive structure seemed vulnerable. This lacklustre performance allowed Celta Vigo to grow in confidence, eventually capitalising through a well-taken strike by Williot Swedberg, who gave the visitors a surprising but deserved 1–0 lead.
As the clock ticked deeper into the second half, Real Madrid were becoming increasingly desperate to turn things around. But just when the team needed composure and discipline, disaster struck.
Fran García, who had already been walking a tightrope after a clumsy challenge earlier in the half, committed another careless foul barely a minute later. The referee had no hesitation in reaching for his pocket once again, producing a second yellow card and reducing Real Madrid to ten men.
The reaction on the sidelines was immediate and intense. Xabi Alonso, known for his calm demeanour and measured approach, completely lost his composure.
Cameras caught him yelling angrily in García’s direction as the defender trudged off the field, visibly frustrated and disappointed in himself. Alonso’s fury was understandable; the red card came at a moment when Real Madrid could least afford to be handicapped, especially while trailing and struggling to create clear chances.
García’s dismissal not only complicated the tactical situation for the rest of the match, but it also highlighted a deeper issue that has plagued Real Madrid in recent weeks — a worrying lack of focus and discipline.
The needless challenges, the mistimed tackles, and the emotional decision-making all contributed to what could end up being a damaging result in the context of the league title race.
As García walked off the pitch under the glare of the Bernabéu crowd, the frustration etched on his manager’s face spoke volumes. Alonso’s message was clear: at a club with Real Madrid’s expectations, moments of recklessness can have severe consequences. The team now faces an uphill battle to recover from both the defeat and the disciplinary lapse that sparked their manager’s outrage.
