Club Legend’s Tenure Ends by Mutual Agreement Following Spanish Super Cup Defeat to Barcelona.

Xabi Alonso

In a stunning development on January 12, 2026, Real Madrid have announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso by mutual agreement, ending his tenure after just seven months and 34 matches in charge. The decision comes less than 24 hours after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to bitter rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

What Led to the Exit?

Alonso, a Real Madrid legend from his playing days and fresh off a Bundesliga title-winning spell at Bayer Leverkusen, was appointed in the summer of 2025 to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Despite a solid record of 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 defeats (including the best win percentage for a Madrid coach in the last decade), the team struggled for consistency.

Key factors included trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga, ongoing injury issues, reported tensions with stars like Vinicius Jr., and the inability to secure silverware. The Super Cup loss proved the tipping point, overshadowing recent positive results.

Official Statements and Replacement

Real Madrid’s club statement read: “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 Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

The club quickly confirmed Álvaro Arbeloa — a former Madrid and Liverpool teammate of Alonso — as the new head coach. Arbeloa, who has been managing Castilla (Real Madrid’s B team) since June 2025 and worked in the academy since 2020, steps up immediately.

Reactions and What’s Next

The move has sent shockwaves through football, with fans and pundits debating the decision given Alonso’s impressive win rate and the club’s ongoing challenges (injuries, squad integration). Alonso leaves without a trophy but with praise for his dedication.

Madrid remain second in La Liga and in contention in the Champions League, but pressure mounts for immediate results. Arbeloa faces a tough task steadying the ship ahead of upcoming fixtures, including Copa del Rey and league clashes.