Confirmed absence at Real Madrid! Xabi Alonso is left without the best for the Champions League

Nerves at Real Madrid are running high after the latest results. Los Blancos have gone three consecutive matches without a win, and the most concerning thing isn't the score, but the overall feeling. Instead of progressing as the weeks go by, the distance between the players and Xabi Alonso keeps growing, creating a more than evident atmosphere of tension.

The relationship between Xabi Alonso and several key figures in the locker room, such as Vinícius, isn't going through its best moment. The coach had hoped to find greater commitment to his tactical approaches, but the team still hasn't fully grasped his idea. That disconnect is starting to raise doubts within the club and his continuity, although not in immediate danger, is beginning to be debated behind closed doors.

Even so, Real Madrid don't have time for regrets. On Wednesday, a crucial Champions League clash against Olympiacos arrives, a match that could mark a turning point in the season. European competition doesn't forgive and Los Blancos are obliged to react if they don't want to complicate their path to the round of 16 ahead of time.

Confirmed absence at Real Madrid! Xabi Alonso left without the best

However, securing the win will be a laborious task, since this very morning the best player at Madrid withdrew from training. Thibaut Courtois, the most decisive figure for Real Madrid at the start of this campaign, is a serious doubt for the European clash against Olympiacos. He is suffering from gastroenteritis that prevented him from finishing the session with the rest of his teammates and, with 36 hours to go before the match, Real Madrid have already confirmed his absence.

Thibaut Courtois has been, without any doubt, Xabi Alonso's savior this season. His saves have kept a fragile Real Madrid afloat, disorganized and with structural problems that undermine stability. Without the Belgian between the posts, Los Blancos would have lost many more points than are currently reflected in the standings.

That's why his absence is so significant. Thibaut Courtois not only provides security, reflexes, and leadership, but he also brings calm to the entire defensive area, which is essential at such a delicate moment. Xabi Alonso knows this and trusts he can recover, although the fans are already preparing for a complicated scenario.

Without Thibaut Courtois it's Andriy Lunin's turn

Without Thibaut Courtois, the responsibility will fall on Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian will have the mission of keeping a clean sheet at one of the tensest moments of the season. The pressure will be enormous, but Lunin has already shown he has the talent and personality to respond in important matches when Real Madrid need him.

If Real Madrid manage to keep their goal intact, they'll have many chances to take all three points and calm the nerves of a restless fanbase. But if they don't succeed, the noise surrounding Xabi Alonso could multiply. Olympiacos arrive in good form and won't forgive mistakes.

On Wednesday, without Thibaut Courtois between the posts, Real Madrid face a decisive test. A challenge that could reactivate Xabi Alonso's project... or ignite the crisis once and for all.