Xabi Alonso might be in a do-or-die situation when Real Madrid clash with Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final tonight. The Spanish coach has been feeling the heat just months into his first season in charge at the Bernabeu.
Reports in Spain suggest Madrid could dismiss Alonso if his team fail to win or impress in the Super Cup. It's a tough position for the manager to be in, but should he oversee a successful campaign in Saudi Arabia, it might be one of the most important moments in his managerial career.
Los Blancos will be looking to avenge the 5-2 defeat suffered in the Madrid derby at the Metropolitano earlier this season. If Alonso's men defeat Diego Simeone's side, they face El Clasico rivals Barcelona in the final.
Vinicius Junior makes interesting Supercopa claim
One of the Madrid players whom Alonso will be desperate to bounce back into form tonight is Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian has endured a nosedive this season and was booed by some sections of fans in games against Sevilla and Real Betis last time out.
Vinicius also has a terrible record against Atleti, managing just one goal in 18 games against Los Colchoneros. But he is in positive spirits ahead of the derby and reckons the Supercopa could ignite a turnaround under Alonso.
The 25-year-old told reporters ahead of the game:
"The team is doing well, connected, with confidence for this match because we know that when we come to Arabia and play two good games, it changes the whole dynamic of the season."
Madrid are behind Barca in the La Liga title race, trailing the Catalans by four points after 19 games. Alonso's side have encountered a topsy-turvy Champions League campaign, currently sitting seventh in the table after six games.
That's why a Supercopa triumph could be massive for the manager and his players to get the season back on track. Beating Atleti and then Barca would also be a huge feat for Alonso and he knows how to get the better of the Blaugrana, having overseen a 2-1 win in El Clasico in October.
The perfect night for Vinicius to silence his critics
Vinicius has been under huge criticism throughout the season for haphazard performances and a dreadful goal drought. He's gone 17 games without finding the back of the net and it's been a frustrating period for the usually domineering Brazilian.
While talk of a possible switch to Chelsea has been dismissed, he is in dire need to show vast improvement this year. That's why putting in one of his iconic displays tonight could be just as much as a turning point for the player as it would be for Alonso and the team.
Vinicius is expected to line up in attack alongside Gonzalo Garcia who hit a hat-trick against Betis last weekend. Even if he isn't among the goals, it's vital he proves his worth up against an Atleti side who will be out to keep him quiet.