Real Madrid appoints Álvaro Arbeloa as head coach after Xabi Alonso's exit

Real Madrid announced the termination of Xabi Alonso’s contract by mutual consent following a 3‑2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, which left the club four points behind in La Liga. The club quickly named former player and Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach. Alonso, who had taken charge on 1 June 2025 after a successful playing career with the club, previously guided Madrid to a domestic double and an Europa League final. In recent interviews he reflected on his tenure, describing it as a “scar that has healed” and saying he is “very motivated and determined to enjoy the next stage.” He acknowledged mistakes, noting that “looking back I keep the positive and analyse what didn’t work,” and emphasized that the experience will help him in future roles. The coaching change marks a swift response by the club’s hierarchy to reverse a dip in form and restore its position at the top of Spanish football.