Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from a horrible loss to Alcoyano

Real Madrid were absolutely embarrassing against Alcoyano in their first and only match of the 2021 Copa del Rey. Despite facing only 10 men in extra time, Los Blancos managed to lose 2-1.

We’ve seen some dreadful performances from Real in the 2020-2021 season, including losses to the likes of Cadiz, Shakhtar Donetsk (twice), and Deportivo Alaves. But this? This is a new low that nobody associated with the club can tolerate in the slightest.

Here are three takeaways from this humiliating defeat.

Zinedine Zidane could lose his job

I have been careful not to even consider the possibility of Zinedine Zidane losing his job, because there are always reactionary fans who will call for the manager’s head without answering the valid concerns about squad quality and expectations.

But this loss is so inexcusable that I would not put it out of question for Zidane to lose his job. Do I think it will happen? I remain hesitant to make a prediction, but I could see Zidane stepping down. Real Madrid are a rebuilding club that must trust young talent and fully back a coach in a way that allows both the manager and young players the grace to fail.

Zidane may just step aside, knowing that he’s done so much for this club but that it may be best for a full reset.