Neither Nico Williams nor Unai Simón, Real Madrid fears him, Xabi Alonso has been warned

This afternoon, a very interesting match will be played between two of the top teams in LaLiga: Real Madrid and Athletic Club. Los Blancos arrive with the urgent need to secure three points to regain momentum. They also want to avoid losing sight of Barça, who are leading alone after the latest results.

Meanwhile, the Basques are looking to pull off an upset in front of their fans. San Mamés will be a vibrant stage where Athletic want to show they can beat anyone. Real Madrid is the favorite, but they can't afford to be overconfident, since a piece of news that greatly worries Xabi Alonso has just been confirmed.

Real Madrid's coach is fully aware that this evening's match at San Mamés will be very tough, so he has asked his players for maximum focus. Xabi Alonso considers it essential to stop Nico Williams's runs down the wing. He also knows that much of their chances of victory depend on Unai Simón not being at his best.

However, beyond the threats that the Basque team may pose, Real Madrid fears the presence of an external factor that could change everything. Yes, because the CTA has once again made headlines after what happened on Sunday in Girona and Xabi Alonso has already been informed.

Real Madrid's real concern: Gil Manzano

What really worries Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid isn't an Athletic player, but the referee appointment by the CTA. The referee chosen is Gil Manzano, a referee who brings back terrible memories for Madridists. His decisions in the past have caused deep unrest at the club.

This very season, Gil Manzano already sent off Huijsen at Anoeta in an incident that many considered only deserved a yellow card. In addition, the record is clear: six red cards and eight goals disallowed for Real Madrid during his career. To this, his most controversial performance must be added, when he awarded three penalties against Real Madrid in a match against Valencia in 2020.

Xabi Alonso, between hope and caution

Xabi Alonso is hopeful about his team's chances tonight. He trusts Real Madrid can impose their quality in such a demanding setting as San Mamés.  He also approaches the match with some caution because of what could happen with Gil Manzano.

The coach knows that every detail will matter in a match of the highest demands. That's why he hasn't just prepared the plan, but has also warned his players to keep calm in the face of possible controversial decisions. Real Madrid is playing for a lot and Xabi Alonso knows it: Gil Manzano could play a decisive role in the final result.