Real Madrid have confirmed that Xabi Alonso has left the club by mutual consent following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, with Álvaro Arbeloa appointed as his replacement.

Alonso, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025, endured a turbulent spell at the Santiago Bernabéu. While expectations were high after his remarkable success in Germany, he struggled to fully win over the dressing room, with a prolonged and well-publicised disagreement with Vinícius Júnior over playing time overshadowing much of the first half of the season.

Mixed results on the pitch compounded the pressure, as Madrid fell behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race. Despite an improved run of form towards the end of 2025 that appeared to have steadied his position, the Super Cup final defeat to their arch-rivals proved decisive, and the club moved swiftly to draw his tenure to a close.

In an official statement, Real Madrid said:
“Real Madrid C. F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first-team coach.

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madridistas. He is a legend of this club and has always represented its values. Real Madrid will always be his home.

“The club would like to thank Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff for their professionalism, dedication and hard work, and wish them every success in the future.”

Alonso is replaced by former teammate Álvaro Arbeloa, who has been in charge of Real Madrid Castilla since May last year. Arbeloa returned to the club’s coaching setup in 2020, initially working with the under-14s before progressing to manage the under-19s, where he enjoyed notable success in domestic youth competitions.

He stepped up to lead the B team last season, recording 10 wins, one draw and eight defeats from 19 matches, while continuing to earn praise internally for his leadership and alignment with the club’s philosophy.

During his playing career, Alonso made 158 appearances for Real Madrid and won multiple honours before eventually replacing Carlo Ancelotti – now Brazil’s head coach – on a three-year deal last summer. His reign began with a disappointing Club World Cup campaign, culminating in a heavy semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and concerns over his more intense coaching style soon emerged.

Although Alonso started brightly in LaLiga and was named Manager of the Month in August, inconsistent results and reported unrest within the squad gradually eroded confidence. A strong festive period briefly eased the speculation surrounding his future, but the latest defeat to Barcelona ultimately sealed his fate.

Arbeloa now takes charge at a critical juncture, tasked with restoring stability and reigniting Madrid’s challenge both domestically and in Europe.