Real Madrid have pulled the trigger on Xabi Alonso’s reign, sacking the coach less than 24 hours after a bruising 3-2 Super Cup defeat to Barcelona.

The LaLiga giants acted swiftly after the loss, which came just hours after Alonso appeared to downplay the importance of the competition, calling it “the least important” trophy Madrid would contest.

In a statement confirming the decision, the club announced that Alonso’s time as first-team coach had ended by mutual agreement.

Despite the abrupt exit, Madrid paid tribute to Alonso’s legendary status, insisting the former midfielder would always retain the affection of the club and its supporters.

Behind the warm words, pressure had been mounting on Alonso for weeks, with Madrid struggling for rhythm both domestically and in Europe.

The timing of the dismissal raised eyebrows, coming just two days before a Copa del Rey round-of-16 clash against Albacete.

Madrid later confirmed that Alonso has been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, who steps up from the reserve team to steady the ship.

In a separate statement, the club outlined Arbeloa’s coaching background within Madrid’s academy, though no contract length was disclosed.

Arbeloa’s first test will be immediate and unforgiving, taking charge for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey trip to second-tier Albacete.

The former defender boasts an illustrious playing career at the Bernabeu, winning multiple Champions League titles and domestic honours.

Arbeloa and Alonso share deep ties, having lifted major international trophies together with Spain.

Alonso’s appointment last June had promised a fresh era after Carlo Ancelotti, but consistency never followed, leaving Madrid trailing Barcelona in LaLiga.

Sunday’s Clasico defeat in Saudi Arabia proved decisive, with Flick’s Barcelona exposing familiar Madrid frailties.

Alonso had survived a near-sacking late last year thanks to a brief winning streak, but the Super Cup loss finally sealed his fate.