Xabi Alonso Sacked by Real Madrid After Barcelona Loss as Replacement Confirmed

Real Madrid has dramatically parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge, confirming his departure by mutual agreement on Monday following a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia[1][2][3][4]. The club, in an official statement, praised Alonso as a "Real Madrid legend" who "always represented the values of our club," adding that "Real Madrid will always be his home," while thanking him and his staff for their dedication[1][2][4].

Alonso's tenure, which began in June 2025 after a triumphant spell at Bayer Leverkusen—where he secured an unbeaten Bundesliga title and domestic cup—started with high expectations but quickly unraveled amid inconsistent results[1][3]. Real Madrid endured a patchy run, including just two wins in eight games late last year, leaving them second in La Liga (four points behind Barcelona) and seventh in the Champions League group stage with four wins and two losses in six matches[1][3]. A turbulent 2025/26 campaign, marked by losses to key rivals and struggles in Europe, mounted pressure on the 44-year-old former midfielder, who had returned as a player from 2009-2014[3][4].

In a swift internal promotion, Real Madrid immediately appointed Álvaro Arbeloa, Alonso's ex-teammate at Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Spain, as the new head coach[1][3][4]. Arbeloa, who impressed managing Real Madrid Castilla (B team) since June 2025, steps up like Zinedine Zidane before him to steady the ship[1][3][4]. As a player from 2009-2016, he won eight titles, including two Champions Leagues, and played 238 matches for the club[4]. The move aims to halt the slump and refocus amid fan and board concerns[1].

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