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Winners & losers GFX

Weekend winners & losers: Alonso & Madrid lurch into crisis

The latest weekend of matches around Europe brought with it top-of-the-table clashes, dramatic late goals and even fan rebellions as clubs around the continent look to get themselves into form ahead of the long winter to come. La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 all have new leaders following the most recent round of matches, with some title races looking likely to be nail-biters all the way through to May.

Real Madrid CF v Valencia CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Alonso sends Bellingham message amid talk Real star is unhappy

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso insists he has a “very good relationship” with midfielder Jude Bellingham amid speculation suggesting there is growing tension between the pair. The Spaniard is adamant he has no issues with the England international, who has been in fine form since returning from the shoulder injury which disrupted his 2025-26 campaign.

Elche CF v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Alonso insists he's handling Madrid pressure 'more calmly' than expected

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso was delighted with his team's performance against Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, claiming that the sensations within the dressing room are positive after breaking their three-game winless run. Alonso had come under a lot of pressure following Madrid's dramatic drop in form, but the manager assured that he is "handling it much more calmly than you might expect".

Elche CF v Levante UD - LaLiga EA Sports

Arteta to rival Alonso as he eyes move for Madrid target Mendoza

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly prepared to rival close friend Xabi Alonso as the Gunners eyes a move for Real Madrid target Rodrigo Mendoza. The Elche wonderkid, who has a €20 million release clause, has attracted widespread interest from across Europe following his eye-catching performances in La Liga. Premier League giants Manchester City are also keen on signing the youngster.

Real Madrid CF v Valencia CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Alonso insists he's unfazed by Vinicius Jr's mutiny

Xabi Alonso has insisted that he's unfazed by reports of friction between him and Vinicius Junior as pressure ramps up on the Real Madrid manager amid the team's three-match winless run. The streak started with a loss at Liverpool in the Champions League, followed by back-to-back draws in La Liga against Rayo Vallecano and Elche, which allowed Barcelona to cut the gap at the top of La Liga to just one point.

Vinicius Jr Xabi Alonso Real Madrid GFX

Let him leave: Madrid shouldn't stand in Vini's way anymore

The signs that Vinicius Jr's relationship with Xabi Alonso's wasn't going to run smoothly were there almost immediately. Had Trent Alexander-Arnold not suffered an injury the day before Real Madrid's Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, the new Blancos boss was planning to bench his Brazilian winger, preferring instead to hand homegrown forward Gonzalo Garcia a start up front alongside Kylian Mbappe.

Xabi Alonso Vinicius Junior Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid

Revealed: The Madrid players siding with Vini Jr in fight against Alonso

Real Madrid’s turbulent dressing-room divide has been laid bare as reports in Spain reveal which players have aligned themselves with Vinicius Jr amid his escalating conflict with manager Xabi Alonso — and which stars, including Kylian Mbappe, have publicly and privately backed the under-pressure coach. With results slipping and tensions rising, Los Blancos now find themselves battling a crisis.

Vinicius Junior Xabi Alonso Real Madrid row GFX

Vinicius is entering his Real Madrid end game

With just under 20 minutes to go in the first Clasico of the current campaign at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso made a double substitution with his side 2-1 up on Barcelona. Federico Valverde accepted his withdrawal with good grace; Vinicius Jr did not. Five times he incredulously asked "Me?!", to the understandable bewilderment of his manager. "Come on, Vini, damn it!," Alonso pleaded. But there was no calming the winger down.

Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4

Vini Jr tells Real he WON'T renew contract amid Alonso rift

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has reportedly told the club he currently has no plans to renew his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu due to a difficult relationship with manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian is said to be one of five players at Real Madrid who are not happy with the new manager's methods after he replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the helm in the summer.

Xabi Alonso

'We haven't fallen apart' - Alonso defends Madrid 'connection' after draw

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has adamantly denied that his team have "fallen apart" despite a recent string of disappointing results, culminating in a 2-2 draw against Elche. While admitting that they "can't be happy" with their latest setback, Alonso insisted that the connection between his coaching staff and the players is "improving" and that the team spirit remains good.

Liverpool FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4

Alonso backed to take Liverpool as Slot pressure mounts

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has been backed to manage Liverpool one day but the pundit making the suggestion does not believe Arne Slot's job at Anfield is under threat. The Reds tried to bring the Spaniard to Merseyside after news of Jurgen Klopp's impending exit was announced in 2024. While he stayed at Bayer Leverkusen before joining Madrid this year, an old team-mate of his thinks a Reds return is possible.

Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4

Alonso sends out strong message on TAA ahead of Elche clash

Xabi Alonso has offered a robust defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness, form, and future at Real Madrid, as the English defender prepares to make only his third league start of the season in Sunday’s away trip to Elche. The 27-year-old’s transfer from Liverpool has not yet ignited in the Spanish capital, with recurring injuries limiting him to brief cameo appearances and only two starts in La Liga.

Frequently asked questions

Bruno Fernandes is a central attacking midfielder by nature, although he has also played as a second striker or in a deeper playmaking position in the midfielder. On many occasions at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has also used him out wide on the right due to his crossing ability.

Bruno Fernandes was born in Maia, in the Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal.

Bruno Fernandes wears the No. 8 jersey at Manchester United, previously worn by players like Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata.

Bruno Fernandes stands at 1.79m (5ft 10in), and is one of the most prolific goalscoring and chance-creating midfielders in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes weighs 69kg (152 lbs). He is an excellent presser when the opposition is in their first phase of build-up, and is also an ever-reliable player when it comes to set pieces.

Bruno Fernandes' first club during his childhood was local outfit Infesta. He joined Boavista in 2004, where he spent most of his youth career. Interestingly, he was offered a chance to join Porto's youth academy, but instead decided to join their rivals.

Bruno Fernandes and his wife Ana Pinho have two children - a daughter named Matilde and a son named Goncalo.

Bruno Fernandes is married to childhood sweetheart Ana Pinho. The duo exchanged vows in 2015.