Despite the recent negative record, Real Madrid’s coach does not approach the match with a sense of inferiority. On the contrary, Alonso confirmed that his team is in excellent form, giving them the confidence to turn the tables on Barcelona.

The Real Madrid manager emphasized the “immense importance” of the upcoming clash, stressing that his team is on an upward trajectory and ready to restore the club’s prestige against Barcelona after five matches without a win.

In a statement reflecting the anticipation and pressure surrounding Spain’s top football showdown, Real Madrid’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, made it clear that the highly awaited El Clásico next Sunday is the highlight of his team’s season, describing it as a “red-letter match on our calendar.”

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is set to host the big showdown on Sunday as part of the tenth round of La Liga, a game whose significance goes far beyond just three points, particularly for the club and its young coach.

Immense Importance… But “Not Dramatic”

Alonso, who enters the Clásico as head coach, acknowledged that the match holds a special place. He said: “It’s a game of immense importance,” noting that everyone at the club understands the weight of this encounter in shaping the season and overall morale.

However, the Basque coach, known for his calm demeanor and tactical insight since his playing days, was quick to diffuse excessive tension, emphasizing that the team is approaching it professionally, not with panic.

He added: “We fully understand the value of this match, but it’s not dramatic for us.” This statement illustrates Alonso’s philosophy in handling pressure; he recognizes the high stakes but refuses to turn the match into an existential crisis that could paralyze his players. He continued: “We have now begun the mental and tactical preparation, focusing entirely on Barcelona once our other commitments ended.”

The “Five-Game” Curse and the Goal to Restore Prestige

The biggest challenge for Alonso and his team lies in a heavy and worrying negative statistic for Bernabéu fans. Real Madrid has not beaten their traditional rival Barcelona in their last five encounters.

This negative streak is more than just a statistic in the club’s history; it is a deep wound in the team’s pride, adding extra pressure on Xabi Alonso to break this “curse” and restore psychological balance in direct confrontations.

Alonso knows that his task goes beyond competing for titles—it also involves “restoring the Royal Team’s prestige” in Spanish football’s top clash. A win on Sunday will not only secure three points but will signal Madrid’s return as a dominant force in El Clásico under his leadership.

Confidence in the “Upward Form”

Despite recent setbacks, Real Madrid’s coach is not entering the match with feelings of inadequacy. On the contrary, Alonso confirmed that his team is enjoying an excellent phase that gives them confidence to turn the tide against Barcelona.

Alonso stressed that his squad is in an “upward form, both in performance and stability.” This statement reflects the coach’s belief that his current squad has reached tactical and physical maturity, enabling them to impose their style on Barcelona regardless of the outcomes of the past five games.

Real Madrid relies on both home advantage and the team’s stable technical and physical condition under Alonso’s guidance to translate this “upward form” into a long-awaited victory, breaking the negative streak and reshaping the balance of power in the battle for supremacy in Spanish football.