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Real Madrid appoints Álvaro Arbeloa after sacking Xabi Alonso

Jan 19, 2026, 1:00 AM20
(Update: Jan 19, 2026, 4:26 PM)
association football club in Madrid, Spain
Spanish footballer and manager

Real Madrid appoints Álvaro Arbeloa after sacking Xabi Alonso

  • Real Madrid has recently experienced a turbulent week with the sacking of coach Xabi Alonso.
  • The team is now just one point behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
  • The appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa is seen as a potential turning point for the club.
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In Spain, tensions have escalated at Real Madrid following a week of turmoil, including the sacking of head coach Xabi Alonso. The club's recent performance has raised concerns among fans, particularly after a harsh defeat against Albacete in the Copa del Rey. Amidst the chaos, Real Madrid is experiencing a title race, trailing only one point behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga. The atmosphere at the Bernabeu during their recent victory over Levante was described as exceptionally tense, with players facing criticism for their on-field decisions. New coach Álvaro Arbeloa, appointed as Alonso’s replacement, has already begun working to improve morale and performance. Arbeloa has a positive rapport with the players, encouraging them to regain confidence after a challenging season. Meanwhile, the coaching shakeup at several European football clubs continues, with Real Madrid and Chelsea both competing in the Champions League for the first time this season with rookie coaches. The broader context highlights a season marked by instability, with numerous clubs opting for coaching changes as they seek to regain competitiveness. As the Champions League progresses, the outcomes in the next matches will be critical for both teams.

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