Real Madrid announces Xabi Alonso’s departure by mutual consent just seven months after replacing Carlo Ancelotti, hours after 3-2 Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia. Club legend Álvaro Arbeloa, Castilla coach since June 2025, takes permanent first-team helm. Official statement praises Alonso as “forever cherished Madrid icon.”
Alonso posts 22W-4D-5L record: LaLiga 2nd (4pts behind Barça), Champions League 7th. Tensions mount over Vinícius Júnior minutes, Club World Cup 4-0 PSG semifinal loss, inconsistent defending despite festive wins. Pérez acts decisively amid title pressure.Near-sacking loomed end-2025; Supercopa proved final straw.
Ex-Liverpool defender Arbeloa delivers youth success: Juvenil A treble (2022-23), Castilla league titles. Debuts Wednesday Copa del Rey vs Albacete. Questions swirl over permanent status vs interim bridge. Florentino Pérez prioritizes stability in multi-front campaign.
