Xabi Alonso demands reaction as Real Madrid crumble against Celta Vigo and turn to Man City next

Real Madrid have hit a poor run of form, winning only two of their last seven matches in all competitions, and the 2-0 La Liga defeat against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday left them four points behind league leaders Barcelona.

The match ended in chaos for Los Blancos, who finished with nine men after red cards for Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras, further increasing the pressure ahead of their Champions League clash on Wednesday with Manchester City, coached by Pep Guardiola.

Alonso did not hide his frustration after the final whistle.

"We are all angry, evidently this was not the game we wanted, it was not the result we wanted," Alonso said.

"We have to try and turn the page as quickly as possible. It's only three points.

"We have the Champions League game against City to react in, and get this bad taste out of our mouths."

Recent results have sparked growing speculation in Spanish media about Alonso's future, but the coach dismissed any talk of personal pressure before the European tie.

"We're playing for three points in the Champions League, in a competition we're in a good position in, and that's what we're playing for," Alonso has said.

"But we want to play well, we want to play a good game, we want to show we can play a lot better than we did today. We know that."

With suspensions and confidence tested, Real Madrid now face a defining night in Europe, knowing a strong reaction is no longer optional.