Xabi Alonso’s record vs Dortmund a concern as Real Madrid get set for Club World Cup quarterfinal | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso does not boast a long coaching career and his landing the Real Madrid job relatively early in his time as a manager serves as testament to his quality in the position.

His lack of experience, however, means that he has not overseen games in all the premier competitions against a variety of rivals, something that would undoubtedly have been worth its weight in gold for a competition like the FIFA Club World Cup.

Ahead of the quarterfinal, however, Alonso stares at an opposition that is surprisingly familiar to him. Lack of experience is absolutely not a problem against the opponents on the night – Borussia Dortmund – although his record against the Germans is a tad bit worrying.

A thorn for Alonso

Having coached Bayer Leverkusen before joining Real Madrid, Alonso is familiar with, and has played against, all clubs in the Bundesliga. He has, in fact, played against Dortmund five times as a coach.

Xabi Alonso gunning for success at Real Madrid. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

In that duration, however, his numbers are anything but impressive. His five games against the men in yellow-and-black, after all, ended in two draws, two defeats and just one win.

The sole win came last season in the league, but they ironically lost the second game against Dortmund in the same campaign.

As a player, Alonso’s record against Dortmund is significantly better as he has played against them 13 times and taken home seven wins, two draws and two defeats.

While at Real Madrid in his playing days, however, he lost thrice against them while winning twice.

Previous encounters and experiences are far from a clear factor affecting results, but it is clear that Alonso’s record against Dortmund is not one to cherish.

One will hope he can turn the tide around tomorrow night and secure a place in the semifinal.