Real Madrid Sack Xabi Alonso After Six Months: Supercopa Defeat Triggers Shock Exit

 Xabi Alonso Leaves Real Madrid Six Months: What Led to the Decision

Real Madrid have officially announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso on January 12, 2026, ending his tenure at the club after just six months in charge. The decision, described as a mutual agreement, came less than 24 hours after Madrid’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa de España final held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This decision stunned even insiders at the club Alonso departs with a 71% win rate, but the board demanded immediate Champions League redemption rather than a long-term rebuild.

Timeline of Alonso's Rapid Rise and Fall

Xabi Alonso was appointed on June 1, 2025, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who later took over as Brazil’s national team head coach. He arrived at the Bernabéu following an historic unbeaten Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen, instantly raising expectations.

Early signs were positive. By late October, Real Madrid sat five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga, with performances suggesting early tactical buy-in from the squad.

However, momentum faded as the season progressed.

Key Turning Points in Alonso’s Tenure

Heavy Defeats and European Setbacks

Concerns escalated after a 4–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final, which exposed defensive vulnerabilities. In the Champions League, Madrid slipped to 7th place in their group, recording a mixed 4 wins and 2 losses against elite opposition.

Supercopa Collapse

The Spanish Super Cup final proved decisive. Madrid led 2–1 late on but conceded twice, losing 3–2 to Barcelona. Despite recent league improvements, the timing and nature of the defeat reportedly forced the board’s hand.

Tactical & Internal Breakdown

Alonso attempted to implement a possession-oriented 3-4-2-1 system, mirroring his success at Leverkusen. However, adapting that structure to Madrid’s personnel proved difficult.

Madrid’s natural strengths pace, vertical attacks, and transitional dominance appeared restricted. Key attackers struggled for rhythm, while midfield balance was inconsistent due to injuries and rotation.

Álvaro Arbeloa Steps In as Interim Coach

Club legend Álvaro Arbeloa, currently managing Real Madrid Castilla, has been appointed interim head coach. His familiarity with the dressing room and Madrid’s identity makes him a stabilizing choice as the club navigates a critical phase of the season.

Arbeloa is expected to oversee the team through the January window, with tactical simplification and defensive solidity top priorities.

Direct Impact on the 2026 Ballon d’Or Race

• Kylian Mbappé’s title hopes take a major hit, dropping from a top-three favorite as Madrid’s Champions League outlook weakens.
• Vinícius Júnior faces a perception battle, with form and dressing-room narratives threatening to overshadow his influence.
• Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha surge, fueled by Barcelona’s four-point La Liga lead and growing European confidence.

The Ballon d’Or race is shifting fast and Madrid’s chaos may be the catalyst.

What Comes Next for Real Madrid?

Short-term expectations point toward a return to a classic 4-3-3, restoring attacking freedom and simplifying defensive responsibilities. Reinforcements at left-back and midfield creativity remain priorities if Madrid are to salvage their season.

Alonso, meanwhile, remains highly rated across Europe, with future opportunities likely once the dust settles.

The Verdict

Madrid panicked. Alonso needed a full summer rebuild — but Florentino Pérez does not operate on patience. Arbeloa’s task is clear: stabilize now, because the Champions League knockouts will decide everything by March.