Real Madrid has replaced head coach Xabi Alonso with Alvaro Arbeloa following a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The club announced Alonso's departure was by mutual agreement after less than eight months in charge, citing a turbulent period and poor results. Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player and coach of the B team (Castilla), has extensive experience within the club's youth academy. His first match as senior coach will be the upcoming Copa del Rey game against Albacete.