Real Madrid has parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso, effective immediately, in a surprising move following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The club announced the mutual agreement on Monday, replacing Alonso with former player and Real Madrid Castilla coach, Álvaro Arbeloa. This decision marks a swift end to Alonso’s tenure, which began in June 2025, and throws the Spanish giants into a period of uncertainty as they compete for La Liga and Champions League titles.
The change comes less than a year after Alonso took the reins from Carlo Ancelotti, tasked with bringing a modern tactical approach to the Bernabéu. However, despite the presence of star players like Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid struggled for consistent form under the Basque coach, currently sitting second in La Liga, four points behind their rivals Barcelona.
Xabi Alonso’s Short Tenure at Real Madrid
Alonso arrived at Real Madrid with a strong reputation after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title in 2024. He signed a three-season deal, but faced challenges from the outset. A heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals in July signaled early difficulties.
A significant 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in September further compounded the issues, despite it being the team’s only league defeat until December. While a Clasico victory over Barcelona in October offered a glimmer of hope, reports suggested club president Florentino Pérez wasn’t fully convinced by Alonso’s methods.
Challenges and Player Performance
Real Madrid experienced a period of inconsistent results, including losses to Celta Vigo and Liverpool, alongside several domestic draws. Tactical implementations, such as high pressing, reportedly faltered, and there were suggestions of disagreements between Alonso and key players. Brazilian wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes experienced a noticeable dip in form, struggling to find the back of the net for an extended period.
The team’s performance in the Champions League also came under scrutiny, with pressure mounting on Alonso ahead of their December clash with Manchester City. While the performance against Pep Guardiola’s side showed improvement, the Super Cup defeat to Barcelona ultimately proved decisive. The club reportedly considered Alonso’s position precarious if they failed to advance in European competition, highlighting the high expectations at the Bernabéu.
Additionally, the club’s struggles with injuries throughout the season hampered Alonso’s ability to establish a consistent starting eleven and implement his preferred style of play. This instability contributed to the team’s overall lack of fluidity and effectiveness in attack, despite the individual brilliance of players like Mbappé.
Arbeloa Takes the Reins
Álvaro Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player who lifted two Champions League titles and one La Liga trophy during his time with the club (2009-2016), steps into the role having coached the reserve side, Castilla, since June 2025. He previously developed his coaching career within Real Madrid’s academy since 2020. Arbeloa’s appointment represents a return to a familiar face and a coach deeply ingrained in the club’s culture.
His first match in charge will be a Copa del Rey last-16 tie against Albacete on Wednesday. Arbeloa’s experience playing alongside Xabi Alonso for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team – with whom he won the World Cup in 2010 – could prove beneficial as he navigates the challenges of managing a star-studded squad. The appointment signals a potential shift towards a more traditional managerial approach, contrasting with Alonso’s emphasis on tactical innovation.
The immediate future for Real Madrid remains uncertain. Arbeloa will be tasked with stabilizing the team and mounting a challenge for both La Liga and the Champions League. The club will likely assess Arbeloa’s performance over the coming months, with a longer-term managerial solution potentially sought at the end of the season. The focus will be on restoring consistency and maximizing the potential of the squad, particularly with key league matches and Champions League knockout stages looming.
