Mon Jan 12 17:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Barcelona Clinches Supercopa Title; Xabi Alonso Out as Real Madrid Coach
The Story:
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso expressed his disappointment after his team’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final. He acknowledged the closely contested match and praised his team’s attitude and commitment. However, shortly after the defeat, Real Madrid announced that Alonso was no longer the coach and replaced him with B team manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
Key Points:
- Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.
- Xabi Alonso highlighted his team’s “great attitude” and “great commitment,” despite the loss.
- Alonso mentioned injuries to key players like Valverde and Vinícius as impacting team stability.
- Kylian Mbappé, recently recovered from an injury, played the last 20 minutes.
- Real Madrid has terminated Xabi Alonso’s contract and appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as the new coach.
Critical Analysis:
The timeline strongly suggests that the Supercopa defeat was the final straw for Real Madrid’s management, leading to Alonso’s immediate dismissal. The article from “The Athletic” suggests that Alonso’s “flexibility” had previously helped him retain his position, but ultimately wasn’t enough against Barcelona. The speed of the decision indicates a predetermined course of action contingent on the outcome of this high-stakes match.
Key Takeaways:
- High-profile losses can have immediate and severe consequences for coaches in top-tier football clubs.
- Real Madrid’s management appears to have had reservations about Xabi Alonso’s long-term viability, culminating in his dismissal.
- The Supercopa El Clásico holds significant weight beyond just silverware; it can directly influence managerial stability.
- Injuries to key players contributed to the loss, but the manager ultimately bears the brunt of the responsibility.
- Álvaro Arbeloa, stepping up from the B team, now faces immense pressure to deliver immediate results.
Impact Analysis:
The sudden change in management introduces significant uncertainty at Real Madrid. The appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa, while potentially injecting new energy, also presents a risk due to his relative inexperience at the highest level. The immediate impact will be on team morale and tactical adjustments. The long-term impact depends on Arbeloa’s ability to stabilize the team, navigate ongoing competitions, and potentially re-integrate key players returning from injury. This transition will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as Real Madrid seeks to regain its competitive edge.
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