Xabi Alonso Reflects on La Décima Ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League Opener
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has looked back on his playing days with Los Blancos, recalling the pain and perseverance that led to the club’s historic La Décima triumph in 2014.
Alonso, who played a key role under Carlo Ancelotti as Madrid secured their long-awaited 10th UEFA Champions League title, admitted that the road to glory was far from easy.
“La Décima? It was very hard for us to win that Champions League,” Alonso reflected. “We got eliminated in three semi-finals before winning it. Many of us learned that to win, you have to lose, and sometimes quite a lot. Then came the Zizou years, which were incredible. That’s historic and unique.”
The Spaniard, now at the helm of the very club he once represented with distinction, will look to guide Madrid into a new era of European success. His tenure begins with another Champions League campaign, as Real Madrid host French giants Olympique Marseille in their league phase opener at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
For Alonso, it is a reminder of the club’s enduring connection to the Champions League and a chance to inspire the next generation to create their own history.
Madrid supporters will hope that under Alonso, who knows firsthand the value of patience, resilience, and glory on Europe’s biggest stage, the club can once again add to their unparalleled legacy.