Xabi Alonso Sacked by Real Madrid After Super Cup Loss to Barcelona

Real Madrid has shockingly parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso less than 24 hours after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, with former player Álvaro Arbeloa appointed as his replacement until at least the end of the season.[2][3][4]

The club's official statement described the departure as a "mutual agreement," but Spanish media speculate it was a sudden dismissal by president Florentino Pérez, who had reportedly considered the move prior to the loss. Despite a recent turnaround—including five consecutive wins and a semifinal victory over Atlético Madrid—Alonso's tenure ended abruptly. The team had shown defensive vulnerabilities against both Atlético and Barcelona, failing to fully implement his style.[1][2]

Pérez had allegedly warned that a heavy defeat to Barcelona could seal Alonso's fate, though pre-match reports suggested even a loss wouldn't cost him his job given the improvement. The narrow 3-2 margin contradicted expectations of safety, fueling the board's decisive action.[1]

Players were stunned, learning of the sacking via the club's social media post with no prior warning. The dressing room atmosphere had been positive post-final, with Alonso embracing Pérez during the medal ceremony. Many assumed his project was on track.[3]

International reports hint Alonso may have left voluntarily due to lost authority over the squad, but domestic sources lean toward dismissal.[2] The controversy from the Super Cup semifinal—where Atlético's Diego Simeone taunted Vinícius Júnior, claiming Pérez would "fire" him—added tension. Simeone later apologized half-heartedly: "I apologise, but I do not ask for forgiveness."[1]

Arbeloa, a former teammate and Alonso ally, steps in to ensure project continuity amid upcoming fixtures. Real Madrid now reorganizes swiftly under new leadership.[3][4]

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