‘We are 100% with Xabi Alonso’ — Rodrygo commits to Real Madrid boss despite Man City loss

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has thrown his full support behind manager Xabi Alonso after Los Blancos’ 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League.

The Brazilian insisted the squad remains firmly united behind their coach despite mounting pressure and back-to-back losses at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Rodrygo, who ended his long goal drought with a brilliant opener, made it clear the dressing room stands strongly behind Alonso.

“We are 100% with our coach. We fully support Xabi,” he said, revealing that his emotional post-match embrace with the manager was intentional. “It’s a difficult time for the players and everyone, and I wanted to show that we’re behind our manager.”

The forward admitted the team was “frustrated” after again conceding from a set piece. “We always train how to defend set pieces, but in the end we concede them in the games. It’s frustrating.”

Rodrygo also said the Bernabéu boos were understandable: “It’s a demanding club, and we have to accept that.” He added he hopes his goal “will bring me back to my best level.”

Real Madrid’s night began well, with Rodrygo finishing a rapid counter-attack to give his side an early lead.

But City responded through Nico O’Reilly, who reacted quickest after Joško Gvardiol’s header from a corner, before Erling Haaland completed the turnaround from the penalty spot following VAR confirmation of a foul by Antonio Rüdiger.

Madrid created openings to equalise, with Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior spurning clear chances, while Endrick struck the crossbar late on.

Despite sustained pressure, Xabi Alonso’s men could not find a leveller, missing the injured Kylian Mbappé and falling to a second straight home defeat, a result that has intensified scrutiny on the manager even as his players publicly stand by him.