Everyone knows Pep Guardiola has spent years carving out a prestigious coaching résumé. Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, is still at the beginning of his journey and experiencing a rough spell at Real Madrid — something the Spanish press hasn’t overlooked.

A 5–0 Before Kickoff? How the Spanish Media Interpreted the Pre-Match Duel

Before the Champions League clash, Spanish outlets drew a brutal comparison between the two managers, with the focus placed squarely on their demeanor in front of the microphones.

Antón Meana of Cadena SER pointed to the press conferences as the first real “duel.” Guardiola, he noted, looked relaxed and fully in control, while Alonso appeared tense and short-spoken.

Meana didn’t sugarcoat it:

“This morning we saw Xabi Alonso looking stiff, like a robot, answering with monosyllables.”

Then he shifted to Guardiola:

“And then you go to the Bernabéu and Guardiola owns the room, leaning back in his chair, and after four or five questions he goes, ‘Alright, I’ll give this kid the headline,’ boom, boom.”

The journalist wrapped it up with a line that quickly went viral:

“I think Guardiola has already won the pre-match. Today, that’s what matters. Hopefully Xabi wins tomorrow — but today he lost 5–0.”

When and Where Is Real Madrid vs. Manchester City?

Real Madrid host Manchester City this Wednesday, December 10, at 3:00 p.m. ET at the Santiago Bernabéu, with French referee Clément Turpin in charge.

Xabi Alonso’s side arrives under pressure and hit by injuries. With 12 points from four wins and one loss, Madrid sit sixth in the standings. Guardiola’s City trail slightly, in 10th place with 10 points from three wins, a draw, and a defeat.