Mon Jan 12 17:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Real Madrid Sacks Xabi Alonso After Supercopa Defeat to Barcelona
The Story:
January 12, 2026: Real Madrid has terminated Xabi Alonso’s contract after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final held in Yeda. Alonso, who had only been in charge for seven months, failed to convince the club’s management during crucial matches. Barcelona’s dominant performance, led by a Raphinha double, proved to be the final straw for the Madrid board, known for its impatience with underperforming managers, especially against their arch-rivals.
The club released a statement acknowledging Alonso’s departure as “mutually agreed,” thanking him for his service and emphasizing his status as a Real Madrid legend. However, the underlying message was clear: Alonso’s project had not delivered the expected results.
Key Points:
- FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in the Supercopa de España final.
- Xabi Alonso was sacked as Real Madrid coach after just seven months in charge.
- The decision was triggered by the Supercopa defeat to Barcelona.
- Raphinha scored a brace for Barcelona in the final.
- Real Madrid released a statement citing a “mutually agreed” departure.
Critical Analysis:
The context provided, “Las Supercopas las carga el diablo: dos técnicos destituidos desde que se juegan en enero,” suggests a pattern of Supercopa defeats leading to managerial sackings, adding weight to this single data point. It implies that the timing of this competition (January) puts managers under intense pressure early in the year, where failure can have drastic consequences.
Key Takeaways:
- The Supercopa de España can be a high-stakes tournament for managers of top clubs like Real Madrid, with poor results potentially leading to immediate dismissal.
- Barcelona’s victory in the Supercopa not only secured them a title but also had direct ramifications for their rivals.
- Despite being a club legend, Xabi Alonso’s managerial tenure at Real Madrid was cut short due to the club’s high expectations and the pressure of competing against Barcelona.
- Raphinha’s performance in the Supercopa final was pivotal in securing the victory for Barcelona.
Impact Analysis:
Xabi Alonso’s dismissal sets a precedent for future Real Madrid managers: short tenures are possible, even for club legends. This highlights the ruthless ambition of the club. With Alonso gone, it is likely that Real Madrid will seek an experienced manager to immediately steer the team to success. Barcelona, on the other hand, has a potential momentum boost which can positively impact their performance in other competitions such as La Liga and Champions League. This victory could also play a significant role in attracting new talent to the club and securing sponsorships.
First Piper 