![One defeat too many as Real Madrid move on from Xabi Alonso after the Super Cup final. [photo credit: Xabi Alonso Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInsta.to_284894133_559384419040210_4705573079835816424_n-400x200.jpg)
Real Madrid have dismissed head coach Xabi Alonso following defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, with Alvaro Arbeloa promoted as his replacement.
![Joao Cancelo is expected to strengthen the defensive rotation. [photo credit: João Cancelo Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInsta.to_581935253_18544461868048056_2185802270150901087_n-400x200.jpg)
FC Barcelona are closing in on the return of Joao Cancelo after the Portuguese defender completed medical tests ahead of finalizing his move.
![For the first time, Philippine football didn’t just participate — it competed, hosted and won on multiple fronts. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/e67d7cfd-3994-452e-b604-aee48749c2d1-400x200.jpg)
Philippine football reached new ground in 2025 with historic tournament successes, global hosting duties and steady gains across women’s, men’s and youth programs.
![Set pieces, composure, and a hat-trick hero — Arsenal overwhelm Portsmouth after a shaky start. [photo credit: Gabriel Martinelli Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInsta.to_584401171_18545489758044031_2976038581627875855_n-400x200.jpg)
Arsenal recovered from an early scare to crush Portsmouth 4-1 and reach the FA Cup fourth round, while Manchester United’s season spiraled further with a shock home exit.
![One moment. One deflection. One trophy. Barcelona defend the Super Cup crown. [photo credit: FC Barcelona Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_525-400x200.png)
Barcelona defended their Spanish Super Cup crown after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in Jeddah, sealed by a late Raphinha strike.
![Villarreal players celebrate a goal against Alaves at home. [photo credit: Villareal CF Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_521-400x200.png)
Villarreal stayed third in La Liga after beating Alaves, while late goals and relegation battles defined a dramatic weekend across Spain.
![VfB Stuttgart players celebrate a goal against Bayer Leverkusen. [photo credit: VfB Stuttgart 1893 Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_520-400x200.png)
VfB Stuttgart stunned Bayer Leverkusen with a ruthless four-goal first half, sealing a 4-1 away win that reshaped the Bundesliga standings after the winter break.
![Borussia Dortmund celebrate a dramatic late equalizer against Eintracht Frankfurt. [photo credit: Maximilian Beier Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_519-400x200.png)
Borussia Dortmund rescued a dramatic late draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in a six-goal Bundesliga clash, salvaging a point after conceding deep into stoppage time as the league returned from the winter break.
![Real Madrid will face Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday. [photo credit: Real Madrid C.F. Instagram]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_516-400x200.png)
Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Thursday, Jan. 9, in Jeddah to reach the Spanish Super Cup final, thanks to goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo and a series of key saves from Thibaut Courtois.
Barcelona delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Athletic Club on Thursday to book their place in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.