Xabi Alonso is facing the most intense scrutiny of his young managerial career, and with pressure mounting from every angle, Madrid finds itself at a crossroads.

Real Madrid and Manchester City's prolific strikers are set to meet again in the Champions League on Wednesday

Kylian Mbappe's injury has forced Xabi Alonso to launch a 'desperate' Real Madrid tactic in the fight to save his job against Manchester City. Alonso could turn to out-of-favour forward Endrick in the absence of their star attacker.

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe were supposed to share the same pitch in one of the most anticipated UEFA Champions League nights of the season, yet one of modern soccer’s defining duels never materialized.

They are both claiming extraordinary sums of money. Mbappe’s legal side are seeking €263million (£230m; $309m) in total, while PSG have filed a counterclaim against Mbappe, asking for around €440m in damages. A decision on that is expected on December 16.

The current La Liga campaign has been defined by a fascinating battle between established superstars and fresh faces looking to make their mark. While Kylian Mbappe is now firmly entrenched as the face of Madrid following his move in 2024, the arrival of Rashford in Catalonia this summer has added a new dynamic to the title race.

After the chaos in the game against Celta Vigo, Kylian Mbappé will be missing four Real Madrid teammates as La Liga confirmed their suspensions. Kylian Mbappé has become the focal point of a Real Madrid side that has struggled to deliver convincing performances whenever the French star isn’t at his best.

The Inter Miami star will turn 39 during next summer’s World Cup but finished as the outright top scorer in CONMEBOL qualifying, scoring twice as many as two of his compatriots who have been in fine form for their European clubs, Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.