Overview
- Real Madrid said Xabi Alonso left by mutual consent roughly seven months after his three-year appointment.
- Alonso posted a brief farewell stating the stint did not go as hoped and that he gave his best.
- Álvaro Arbeloa was promoted from Castilla, vowed to “fight for everything,” and said he will stay as long as the club wants.
- He faces the touchline on Wednesday at Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16 after just one training session.
- Madrid trail Barcelona by four points in LaLiga and lost the Supercopa final 3-2 on Sunday, with Spanish reports noting tensions with senior players during Alonso’s tenure.