Xabi Alonso set for Bernabeu managerial debut against Osasuna

The Club World Cup served as a re-introduction for Xabi Alonso, who kicks off the 2025-26 season with his first match at the Real Madrid Santiago Bernabeu. Osasuna's visit signals the start of the league campaign for the manager, who harbours fond memories of his afternoons and evenings at the Bernabeu. During his playing career, before hanging up his boots and preparing his tactical board, he barely registered double-digit defeats at the home of Spanish football.

Xabi Alonso played 108 matches for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu while still on the pitch. He concluded his spell with the capital club boasting a highly positive record: 93 wins (86.11%), nine draws (8.33%), and six defeats (5.56%). In an era where Los Blancos possessed a formidable attacking lineup, Madrid became an exceptionally reliable side at home.

The first setback came in the Champions League against Milan in the 2009-10 season, when an outstanding Alexandre Pato scored twice to secure a 2-3 victory from the capital. Barcelona, the primary adversary in Xabi Alonso's home defeats as a player, was responsible for the second loss during their league visit to the Bernabeu, with goals from Leo Messi and Pedro sealing a 0-2 win.

Towards the end of the 2010-11 season, the third defeat arrived. Once again, it was against Barcelona in that controversial Champions League semi-final. The Catalan giants replicated the scoreline with a Messi brace (0-2). The third consecutive loss against the 'Cules' occurred in the 2011-12 campaign. In December, Pep Guardiola's side conquered the Bernabeu despite Benzema opening the scoring for the hosts. Alexis Sanchez, Xavi, and Fabregas turned the game around for a final 1-3 scoreline. Another defeat followed in the quarter-finals of the same season, ending 1-2 with goals from Puyol and Abidal.

A significant period passed from January 2012 until Xabi Alonso experienced another home defeat at the Bernabeu. Specifically, 45 matches. And once again, it was Barcelona. In his final 'Clasico' at the Bernabeu, the Basque midfielder witnessed his team lose a thrilling encounter that began with an Iniesta goal before Benzema's brace. Later, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi exchanged blows, but the Argentine secured a hat-trick that sealed a dramatic 3-4 victory.

Four defeats at the hands of Barcelona and one against Milan represent the bitter memories for Xabi Alonso the player. Now, embarking on a new chapter, he faces his inaugural test in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout.