Real Madrid have officially parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso following a run of inconsistent results that culminated in a 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The club confirmed on Monday that the separation was reached by mutual agreement after a review of the team’s performance during the 2025–26 season.
Alonso was appointed head coach on June 1, 2025, on a contract that was set to run until June 30, 2028, as the club sought to usher in a new tactical era under a manager who had enjoyed recent success. A revered former player at the Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso remains a club legend, having won multiple major trophies during his playing career with Los Blancos.
During his brief spell in charge, Alonso oversaw 34 competitive matches across all competitions. Real Madrid recorded 20 wins, three draws and five defeats, collecting 63 points at an average of 2.25 points per game. In La Liga, his side played 19 matches, winning 14, drawing three and losing two, averaging 2.37 points per match.
In the UEFA Champions League, Madrid played six games under Alonso, winning four and losing two, returning an average of 2.00 points per match. In the Spanish Super Cup, the team recorded one win over Atlético Madrid before losing the final to Barcelona, earning three points from two matches. In the Copa del Rey, Alonso’s side won their only match, securing maximum points.
Despite these solid numbers, the absence of silverware and a downturn in form in key fixtures proved costly. The defeat to Barcelona in the Super Cup final, combined with pressure from results in other competitions, reportedly convinced club executives that a change was needed.
In a statement, Real Madrid expressed gratitude to Alonso and his coaching staff, praising his professionalism and reaffirming his enduring status as a club icon.
The club also announced former defender and Real Madrid legend Álvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s successor, tasking him with steadying the team and driving the club’s pursuit of success in La Liga, the Champions League and domestic cup competitions.
