Real Madrid Sack Xabi Alonso After Super Cup Loss

By Alfonce Mutuku January 13, 2026

Arbeloa Promoted as Club Acts Swiftly After Barcelona Defeat

Real Madrid have ended Xabi Alonso’s spell as head coach following Sunday’s Supercopa de España loss to Barcelona.

The club confirmed on Monday that both parties agreed to part ways. The decision came barely 24 hours after Madrid lost 3-2 to their rivals in the final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Alonso leaves less than a year into the three-year contract he signed last summer after replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

Club Confirms Exit by Mutual Consent

In a statement, Real Madrid said it reached a mutual agreement with Alonso to terminate his role as first-team coach.

The club praised the former midfielder and thanked him for his commitment during his short tenure.

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Real Madrid fans,” the club said.
“He is a legend who has always represented the values of this institution.”

Madrid also wished Alonso and his coaching staff well in their next chapter.

Strong Start Followed by Dressing Room Tension

Alonso began his reign in impressive fashion. Madrid won 10 of their first 11 La Liga matches under his leadership.

However, results dipped as the season progressed. Losses to Liverpool, Celta Vigo and Manchester City increased pressure on the coach.

At the same time, reports emerged of friction inside the dressing room. Vinícius Júnior publicly questioned his substitutions, while other players raised concerns about Alonso’s tactics.

As a result, Madrid slipped to second place in the league standings.

*Xabi Alonso’s final match as head coach was a crushing 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on January 11, 2026*

Champions League Form Fails to Save Alonso

Despite domestic struggles, Alonso maintained solid form in Europe.

Madrid won four of their six UEFA Champions League matches and remained well placed to advance. However, the club’s hierarchy opted for change as performances declined.

Arbeloa Takes Over First Team

Real Madrid have promoted Álvaro Arbeloa from Castilla to take charge of the senior team.

The 42-year-old replaces Alonso with immediate effect. Arbeloa previously served as head coach of the club’s reserve side.

A former right-back, he made 238 appearances for Madrid across seven seasons. Club officials believe his leadership and familiarity with the squad can steady the team.

Alonso’s Journey at Madrid

Alonso played for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014. He returned last summer after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen.

At Leverkusen, he led the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024. However, his second stint at Madrid ends sooner than expected as the club looks to revive its season.

Alvaro Arbeloa will take over the Real Madrid head coach role immediately and will be on the sidelines for the club’s next match on Wednesday at Albacete in a Copa del Rey last-16 contest [Photo/Getty Images]