Xabi Alonso arrived at Real Madrid in June 2025 with the cleanest résumé in Europe and the messiah label freshly ironed. Leverkusen miracle worker. Tactical prodigy. “Natural heir” to the Bernabéu throne. And yet, less than 30 matches in, Madrid is already doing what Madrid does best: asking if he’s the problem. The conversation has been encouraged even further given their latest run of form with Los Blancos only winning three out of their last nine matches across all competitions.

Given the stature of the club and the heat of the topic, it’s no wonder that Xabi Alonso’s situation in Madrid was one of the key talking points in the latest episode of CBS Sports Golazo Network’s show Numbers Don’t Lie.

This is Real Madrid, where patience is a myth and second place feels like mid-table. Alonso’s side currently sit second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona, and seventh in the Champions League league phase. Objectively solid. Subjectively? A crisis. The whispers have started, the timelines are warming up, and some are already treating his sacking as a matter of when, not if. Efficient club, efficient discourse.

The comparison merchants, of course, are busy. This time last season, Madrid were top of LaLiga but sitting 20th in the Champions League league phase. Context matters—but only when it helps your argument. Last season, incidentally, is one most Madrid fans would prefer to delete from memory, not use as a benchmark. Yet here we are, selectively nostalgic when it suits the panic.

So what’s the real issue? Results that aren’t perfect? Performances that don’t scream domination every 15 minutes? Or simply the unbearable weight of managing a club where winning isn’t enough… you must win correctly, stylishly, immediately, and forever!

Alonso may have rebuilt Leverkusen with time, trust, and tactical clarity. At Real Madrid, he gets none of those—just trophies or turbulence. Numbers Don’t Lie hosts Jay Dee Dyer and Nico Cantor take a look at whether the heat is justified, or whether Madrid are doing what they always do: eating their future before dessert arrives.

Because at the Bernabéu, you’re never far from greatness.
Or the exit door.