Yet Alonso's 20-time Cup winners only narrowly avoided a potential banana skin.

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes's goals earned Real Madrid a tense 2-1 win at Alaves in La Liga on Sunday to potentially keep coach Xabi Alonso in his job.

Raphinha hit a brace to give Barcelona a narrow 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday and take them seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Kylian Mbappe is fit to play on Sunday against Alaves in LaLiga, as his depleted team bid to turn around a run of bad results.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick downplayed his team's LaLiga lead on Friday, saying their four-point cushion over stuttering Real Madrid means little and the real test will be staying focused as the season unfolds.

Alonso, whom Spanish media reported was set for the sack if Madrid lost against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, remains at the helm despite a 2-1 defeat at a frustrated, whistling Bernabeu.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said he feels backed by his squad to stay at the helm despite a 2-1 Champions League defeat by Manchester City on Wednesday.

Manchester City came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday in the Champions League and leave Xabi Alonso's position as coach of the Spanish giants in grave danger.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is not a good fit for the Saudi Pro League and clubs should target younger players like Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, Al-Kholood chairman Ben Harburg said on Wednesday.

Real Madrid named Kylian Mbappe in their squad to face Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday amid doubts over his fitness.

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.