If Mbappe is unable to play against City on Wednesday, it would be a big blow for coach Xabi Alonso, with Spanish media reporting that a defeat would lead to his dismissal.

Under-pressure Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso insisted the situation he is in can swiftly change ahead of a potentially pivotal Champions League clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.

Alonso's side have struggled for form in recent weeks, leading to speculation over his future at the club in Spanish media.

Williot Swedberg struck twice in the second half for Celta, with Madrid's second league defeat of the season leaving rivals Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga.

England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has suffered a thigh injury, his club Real Madrid said on Thursday, with Spanish media speculating that he faces two months out.

The win keeps Real in second place with 36 points from 15 matches, one behind leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Tuesday French superstar Kylian Mbappe was vital to the team for more than just his prolific goalscoring.

Real Madrid were held to a third consecutive La Liga draw in a 1-1 tie at Girona on Sunday, allowing Barcelona to retain pole position.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has strongly refuted Real Madrid's latest accusations, insisting that "Barca have never bribed any referee" as the tension between Spain's two biggest clubs flared up once again.

Kylian Mbappe scored all four goals as Real Madrid hung on to beat Olympiacos 4-3 in the Champions League on Wednesday and end a three-match winless run in all competitions.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Tuesday he must know how to handle criticism and media speculation over his future while at the helm of the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid duo Thibaut Courtois and Dean Huijsen will miss the Champions League trip to face Olympiacos on Wednesday.

"It's football -- after going in a good dynamic we've had some results we don't like, but we know what we want," Alonso told reporters.

La Liga leaders Real Madrid were left frustrated in a 0-0 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, giving champions Barcelona a chance to close in on them.

Liverpool put a miserable run behind them with a dominant performance to end Real Madrid's perfect Champions League start with a 1-0 win at Anfield on Tuesday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold could face a rancorous reception when he returns to Anfield for Tuesday's Champions League game against Liverpool but the Real Madrid defender said no amount of hostility from fans could dampen his love for his boyhood club.

Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid romped to a 4-0 win over Valencia on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Madrid's Brazil superstar Vinicius finally issued an apology on Wednesday, three days after his team defeated arch-rivals Barca 2-1, following his huff at being substituted at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr issued a public apology on Wednesday after his angry reaction to being substituted during Sunday's heated 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona had him storm straight to the changing rooms.

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will undergo surgery on his right knee, dealing another blow to the defender who has battled persistent injury problems over the past year.