Six weeks is an eternity in football. Just ask Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid kicked off the Alonso era with 11 wins in their first 13 matches before suffering a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of crosstown rivals Atlético Madrid.

Bayer Leverkusen chief Fernando Carro has taken aim at Real Madrid president Florentino Perez over his handling of coach Xabi Alonso's criticism.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are struggling and there is increasing pressure on the position of the manager Xabi Alonso, while Hansi Flick's Barcelona look strong. Let's take a look our Power Rankings: It was a challenging weekend for the side coached by Mikel Arteta,

Arsenal are preparing a 'convincing offer' to sign a Real Madrid prospect who only just debuted on Sunday night - but does Mikel Arteta really need the teenager?

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has launched a scathing critique of Real Madrid's hierarchy, accusing Florentino Perez of leaving Xabi Alonso "isolated" at the Bernabeu. The German club's chief claims the culture in the Spanish capital treats managers as a "necessary evil",

The two managers meet on Wednesday in a Champions League match that is already key to Alonso's future at Real Madrid