Real Madrid have dismissed head coach Xabi Alonso following the club’s defeat to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The decision was taken after internal discussions in the aftermath of the loss.

Alonso departs after 34 matches in charge, recording 24 wins, four draws and six defeats across all competitions. His final game ended in a narrow defeat to Barcelona, which proved decisive for the club hierarchy.

The former midfielder returned to Madrid last June after two successful seasons with Bayer Leverkusen. He replaced Carlo Ancelotti and was tasked with leading a new cycle at the club he once represented as a player.

Mixed results and growing tension

Real Madrid began the season strongly, winning seven straight matches before suffering a heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid. Although the team responded with another run of victories, performances in key matches raised concerns internally.

Tension between Alonso and certain senior players, including Vinicius Jr, also surfaced during the campaign. Those issues became more pronounced in recent months as results began to fluctuate.

Arbeloa handed first-team role

Alonso is replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, a former Madrid defender who has spent more than five years working within the club’s youth system. The 42-year-old steps into his first senior head coaching role.

Arbeloa is set to make his debut on the touchline in the Copa del Rey away to Albacete. The appointment signals a short-term internal solution as Madrid look to stabilize the season.