Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso's future will be decided today

Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Who will face Barça in the final?

We're headed to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the Spanish Super Cup and the second semi-final between the Colchoneros and the White House. It promises to be a spectacular clash between the two teams from the capital, according to our Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid prediction, both of whom are determined to join FC Barcelona in Sunday's final.

Struggling in La Liga, 11 points behind the leaders, Atlético will probably have to rely on other competitions to win a title this season. The Colchoneros have been inconsistent, with impressive form at home contrasting with Diego Simeone's men's lack of consistency away from home. Antoine Griezmann's teammates are looking to win a title this week in Jeddah, and the first step will be Real Madrid.

Real Madrid wants to wash away the humiliation suffered in La Liga.

This simple Spanish Super Cup match takes on a very different meaning for Los Merengues. Unconvincing since the start of the season, Xabi Alonso's team cannot afford to make any mistakes tonight, when their performance and play will be closely scrutinized. The defeat (or humiliation) suffered against the Colchoneros in September in La Liga (5-2) is still fresh in everyone's minds, with Real Madrid looking to take revenge tonight.

But beyond the sporting aspect, it is Xabi Alonso's situation that is attracting all the attention, with the Spanish coach's survival on the Madrid bench at stake in this Super Cup. It is ultimately a high-stakes match that could take a new turn for the Merengues' season.

Victory or Bust for Xabi Alonso

After being given a reprieve in December by club officials, Xabi Alonso will have no more chances left. While it was expected that pressure would be put on the Spanish coach during the upcoming La Liga and Champions League matches, Florentino Perez ultimately decided to give his coach an ultimatum during the Spanish Super Cup.

Within the club, the injuries that have hampered Xabi Alonso have given Carlo Ancelotti's successor some breathing room. But recurring physical problems are a cause for concern, and Los Merengues did not hesitate to bring back the club's former doctor, Niko Mihic, to try to remedy the situation. Nevertheless, Xabi Alonso's credit is running out, and tonight, the former Bayer Leverkusen coach will not be allowed to fail.

Xabi Alonso acknowledges that this week in Saudi Arabia represents his last chance at the Madrid club, under intense scrutiny from the club and supporters alike. Despite a slight improvement at the beginning of winter, the performances have not convinced his superiors, the fans, or the players themselves.

Xabi Alonso, a Mixed Record at Real

Expectations were high for Xabi Alonso after his impressive spell on the Bayer Leverkusen bench in previous seasons. But after five months with los Merengues, the Spanish coach's record is mixed.

In all competitions, Real Madrid's record since the former player took over remains solid in terms of results, with 19 wins, three draws, and five defeats, which would satisfy the vast majority of clubs around the world. But not at Real Madrid, where excellence is paramount.

Above all, it is the manner in which these results have been achieved that leaves something to be desired, with a level of play that is cause for concern, in addition to a dressing room that is struggling to buy into the message of Xabi Alonso, who is under more pressure than ever on the Real Madrid bench...