Real Madrid has ended its partnership with Xabi Alonso and promoted B team manager Álvaro Arbeloa to lead the first team, the club announced Monday. Reports of conflicts with players, including Vinícius Júnior, and ongoing locker room tensions marked his tenure. In 34 matches under Alonso, Madrid won 24, drew four, and lost six. Despite a 2-1 win over Barcelona in the season’s first clasico, Real Madrid trails the Blaugrana by four points at the halfway point of La Liga. Álvaro Arbeloa, 42, a former teammate of Alonso at Madrid and Spain, enjoyed a decorated playing career, winning eight titles with Real Madrid, including two Champions League trophies, and Spain’s 2010 World Cup and two European Championships.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 13, 2026 05:48 UTC