Following a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final, Xabi Alonso has left his position as head coach of Real Madrid. The announcement came on Monday evening, confirming the end of Alonso's brief tenure of just over seven months. Real Madrid stated that the departure was a "mutual agreement" between the club and the 44-year-old Alonso.

Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, had taken charge on June 1, 2025, after a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he secured a domestic double in 2023-24 and led the team to the Europa League final. During his time with Real Madrid, Alonso initially impressed, with the team winning 13 of his first 14 games, although they suffered a heavy defeat in the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid. However, a loss to Liverpool on November 4 marked the start of a less successful run, with only two wins in eight matches. Despite a subsequent recovery of five consecutive wins, it appears it wasn't enough to secure his long-term position in the eyes of the club's management.

The Supercopa defeat to Barcelona in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, seems to have been the final catalyst for Alonso's departure. The closely contested match saw Barcelona emerge victorious, adding to the pressure surrounding Alonso's leadership. Speculation had been building regarding Alonso's standing within the club, with reports suggesting he wasn't universally popular in the dressing room.

Real Madrid have released a statement expressing their gratitude to Alonso for his service. The statement emphasized that Alonso will always be fondly regarded by Madrid fans as a club legend who embodies the club's values and that Real Madrid will always be his home. The club also thanked Alonso and his coaching staff for their dedication and wished them well in their future endeavors.

In a swift move, Real Madrid have announced that Alvaro Arbeloa will be replacing Alonso as head coach. Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player, has been coaching Real Madrid's B team since June 2025 and has spent the last six years working within the academy. This appointment signals a promotion from within the club's ranks, entrusting a familiar figure with the task of leading the first team forward.