Real Madrid have parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge, following a 4-3 Supercopa final loss to Barcelona on Sunday. The club announced the decision on Monday, describing it as mutual agreement.
Alonso, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2025 after ending Bayern Munich's Bundesliga dominance, leaves with Madrid trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga and sitting seventh in the Champions League table. His record stood at 24 wins, four draws and six defeats in 34 games across all competitions.
Former Real Madrid and Spain defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as his successor. Arbeloa, 42, previously coached the club's U19s to a treble in 2022-23 and took charge of Real Madrid B this season. He expressed his excitement and said the players are eager to fight for honours.
Alonso's reign began strongly with 13 wins in 14 games, but a Champions League defeat to Liverpool in November sparked a downturn. Despite public backing from Jude Bellingham, who praised Alonso's management, the loss to Barcelona proved decisive. Reports indicate clashes with players such as Vinícius Júnior and president Florentino Pérez also contributed to his departure.
