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Real Madrid's new coach Alvaro Arbeloa takes responsibility for the cup exit to Albacete, with Vinícius Júnior showing sparks of brilliance and a plan for a quick rebuild.
Copa del Rey

Arbeloa's Cup Baptism: Real Madrid's New Boss Takes the Hit as Vinícius Shines

Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid's newly appointed coach, accepts responsibility for the Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete. He praises Vinícius Júnior's performance and emphasizes the need to rebuild the squad both physically and mentally. The exit ends Madrid's Cup run in the Round of 16 and opens a new chapter with a difficult schedule ahead. Arbeloa stresses that failure is part of the path to success and vows to lead a quick recovery as the team looks to Saturday's match.

Vinícius Júnior Real Madrid Albacete Copa del Rey header goal
Copa del Rey

Headers Take Center Stage: Vinícius Júnior Hits 350 Real Madrid Appearances in a Copa del Rey Clash

Vinícius Júnior marks a milestone for Real Madrid as they draw 1-1 with Albacete in the Copa del Rey. The match features a headed goal from Albacete’s Javi Villa and Madrid’s vulnerability to aerial plays. Opta notes Madrid have conceded several headed goals this season, while Álvaro Arbeloa begins his Madrid tenure. A mix of history, milestones, and fresh leadership sets the tone for Madrid’s cup run.

Albacete Balompié vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey 2026 match photo
Copa del Rey

Shadows of a Debut: Arbeloa's Real Madrid Start Ends in Cup Shock

Alvaro Arbeloa's first match as Real Madrid's head coach ends in a stunning 3-2 defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey. The loss marks a difficult initiation for the former player as Madrid navigates a transitional season. Analysts flag a rough start for new coaches taking the helm at the club, underscoring the pressure on Arbeloa. The result adds another layer to Real Madrid's ongoing managerial chapter and ambition to stabilise the project.

Calm, composed return of Xabi Alonso in Madrid after Real Madrid exit amid Arbeloa's Real Madrid era.
La Liga

Calm, Composed, and Back in Madrid: Alonso's Subtle Return After Real Madrid Exit

Days after parting ways with Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso was spotted strolling through Madrid with his wife, far from the Bernabéu spotlight. The departure came shortly after a dramatic 2-3 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia. Despite the shock, Alonso appeared collected and greeted fans warmly, signaling a new chapter away from the daily pressures of coaching Real Madrid. On the same day, Madrid prepared for a Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash against Alavés under the new coach Álvaro Arbeloa.

Real Madrid Arbeloa era Arda Güler starting lineup Copa del Rey last-16 vs Alavés
Copa del Rey

Arbeloa’s Fresh Start: Arda Güler Returns and Sitéro Gets a Breakthrough Moment

Real Madrid begin their first match under Álvaro Arbeloa in a Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Alavés. Arda Güler returns to the starting lineup for the first time in three games, while David Jiménez starts again and Jorge Sitéro earns his first start. The squad list features Lunin in goal and a defense trio with Asensio, Jiménez, Huisen and Carreras, plus a midfield trio of Valverde, Kaestro and Arda Güler, with Mastantonuno, Gonzalo García and Vinícius Junior leading the attack. Several big names are rested or sidelined due to injuries, signaling Arbeloa’s early plans for the season. Expect both experimentation and ambition in this Cup tie, with a cheeky nod to a few surprises along the way.

Jude Bellingham responds to Alonso exit at Real Madrid
La Liga

Bellingham Breaks Silence: Don’t Trust the Clowns Spreading Alonso Exit Rumors

Jude Bellingham denies claims he influenced Xabi Alonso's Madrid exit, delivering a sharp rebuttal to what he calls lies. Real Madrid's decision to part ways with Alonso followed a loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, with Álvaro Arbeloa stepping in as interim coach. Rumors linked stars like Mbappé and Bellingham to the departure, which he criticizes as misinformation. Mbappé chose a more laudatory note about Alonso, while Bellingham makes his stance clear. The piece also notes a Copa del Rey snapshot and the ongoing drama around the Madrid squad.

Arbeloa's calm leadership at Real Madrid seeks to restore harmony and rely on youth amid key absences in a Copa del Rey context.
Copa del Rey

Calm Mode Activated: Arbeloa's Quiet Plan to Steady Real Madrid

Alvaro Arbeloa starts his Real Madrid chapter with a calm-focused approach aimed at healing a divided dressing room. He signals a shift in how the coach handles Federico Valverde, one of Madrid's key performers under recent pressure. Marca reports Arbeloa won't persist with Valverde as a makeshift right-back when Dani Carvajal or Trent Alexander-Arnold are unavailable, favoring a more flexible setup. The plan leans on the academy to fill gaps and restore harmony after Xabi Alonso's departure, with a broader aim of steadying the squad.

Arbeloa begins Real Madrid era with a Copa del Rey clash against Albacete, facing injuries and rest decisions that shape the opening chapter of his tenure.
Copa del Rey

Arbeloa’s Madrid Makeover Opens in a Copa del Rey Test Against Albacete

Álvaro Arbeloa starts his Real Madrid chapter with a Copa del Rey last-16 duel against Albacete, his first official test after replacing Xabi Alonso. Several stars are out injured or given rest, shaping a fresh approach from the new coach. The squad mix includes a blend of regulars and youngsters as Madrid seek a cup run. The fixture comes after a turbulent spell in the locker room, with Arbeloa charged with steadying the ship. Expect a precise, measured start with a dash of ambition as Madrid aim to advance.

Joao Cancelo signing with Barcelona 2025-26 Getty Images
transfert

Lunch Break That Sealed the Deal: How Barcelona Navigated Cancelo’s Transfer Delay

Barcelona faced a dramatic delay in finalizing Joao Cancelo’s move as Al Hilal demanded a tax residency certificate at the last moment. The hold-up prompted a pause in the ceremony and a media luncheon to ease tensions. Barcelona later confirmed Cancelo's arrival, though the signing was pushed back to late afternoon. The episode ended with Cancelo set to join the Blaugrana, after all documents were sorted and signatures completed.

Real Madrid Mourinho transfer rumors 2026
transfers

Perez's Bold Gambit: Could Mourinho Return to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez acts quickly to hire a new coach after Xabi Alonso's dismissal. Alvaro Arbeloa serves as interim, but the club plans a long-term appointment with a high-profile name. AS journalist Alfredo Relano suggests Perez's hidden plan centers on reintegrating Jose Mourinho, currently stirring things up at Benfica. The piece hints at a dramatic shake-up for Madrid, with potential echoes across the Liga and beyond.

Real Madrid's tactical puzzle: where should Jude Bellingham play under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa as Mbappé reshapes the frontline.
Real Madrid

Bellingham Sparks an Early Tactical Puzzle for Arbeloa at Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham is forcing Real Madrid’s new coach Álvaro Arbeloa to rethink positioning. The veteran Marca editor Alfredo Relaño explains the challenge of fitting the English forward into a lineup already shaped by Mbappé, Vinícius, and Kamavinga. The article explores potential roles for Bellingham, from a deeper midfielder to an advanced 10, each with trade-offs. Real Madrid must balance space, pace, and personality to unleash his attacking spark while keeping the team’s rhythm intact.

Racing Santander vs Barcelona Copa del Rey 2025-2026 El Sardinero
Copa del Rey

Barça Quest: Can Barcelona Cool Racing Santander’s flame in the Copa del Rey Last-16 Showdown?

Barcelona heads to El Sardinero for a Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Racing Santander. The Blaugrana arrive riding high after claiming the Spanish Super Cup, aiming to keep their trophy streak alive. Racing Santander hope to exploit home advantage and pull off a surprise. The match offers clear TV and online viewing options for fans across the region, with streaming details and tips to watch from abroad.

Real Madrid players react to Arbeloa's first training session
La Liga

Relief or Shock? Real Madrid Players React to Arbeloa’s First Training as Manager

Real Madrid players expressed positive vibes after their first training session under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, suggesting a mood shift in the squad. Early feedback, per El Chiringuito, pointed to a productive session and a more upbeat atmosphere. This comes after weeks of locker-room turmoil and a high-profile Super Cup defeat. Arbeloa’s session sets the stage for his first official test against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, with questions still hanging over dressing-room discipline and leadership. The tone is cautiously hopeful, sprinkled with a touch of humor about turning chaos into cohesion.

Alvaro Arbeloa appointed Real Madrid head coach 2026
coaching appointment

Arbeloa's Bold Move: Real Madrid Appoints a Permanent Coach as Klopp Watch Begins

Alvaro Arbeloa is named Real Madrid's permanent head coach with full technical authority after Xabi Alonso's exit. The club confirms a long-term project through 2027, keeping Arbeloa beyond this season if goals are met. The report also hints at Jurgen Klopp as a potential future target, while Arbeloa presents a cautious, diplomatic front in his first press conference. The development marks a new era for Madrid as leadership eyes stability and ambition.

Peace moment between Perez and Alonso at the Spanish Super Cup ceremony
Spanish Super Cup

When Peace Meets a Pink Slip: Alonso’s Madrid Exit After the Spanish Super Cup

Real Madrid’s relationship with Xabi Alonso took center stage during Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup triumph. A moment of civility between Florentino Perez and Alonso contrasted with Madrid’s decision to dismiss the coach hours later. The final ended 3-2 to Barcelona, illustrating Madrid’s turbulent season. Álvaro Arbeloa was appointed interim manager to finish the campaign. The episode also featured a notable smile from Perez toward Lewandowski during the medal ceremony.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick blocks January exit of Roni Bardghji
Transfert

Barca's Bright Star Stays Put: Flick Nixes January Exit for Rising Talent

Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick has reportedly blocked a January move for young Roni Bardghji despite interest from Porto and others. The Swedish teen is seen as a future cornerstone, and Barcelona’s leadership, including Deco, reportedly wants to keep him. Bardghji is under contract through 2029 and has already made 14 appearances with 2 goals and 4 assists this season. The story links to Porto-Benfica cup discussions in Portugal, underscoring a broader transfer market mood.

Barcelona Real Madrid Spanish Super Cup guard of honor photo
Spanish Super Cup

Sportsmanship Steals the Spotlight: Racing Santander Honors Barça After a Spanish Super Cup Win

Racing Santander plans a guard of honor for Barcelona before their Copa del Rey clash, following Barça’s Spanish Super Cup triumph in Saudi Arabia. The move is lauded by multiple newspapers as a mature act of sportsmanship. Barcelona’s president reacts to Mbappé’s behavior during the Super Cup final, underscoring the need for respect in victory and defeat. The episode highlights ongoing debates about values in football beyond rivalries and trophies.

Jude Bellingham denies Alonso feud rumors; Real Madrid image Getty
La Liga

Bellingham Fires Back at Alonso Feud: Denial Goes Viral and the Locker Room Keeps Calm

Jude Bellingham strongly denies claims of a dressing-room split during Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid. The uproar followed reports from The Athletic about tensions, allegedly contributing to Alonso’s departure after the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Bellingham’s statement pushes back on sources and urges readers to question sensational headlines. The piece connects context to a broader saga around squad dynamics and leadership in Madrid.

Joao Cancelo Barcelona loan Super Cup interview
transfer

Cancelo’s Catalan chapter: Barcelona win fuels a loan move with a wink

Joao Cancelo joins Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal after praising Barca's attacking, possession-based style. He reflects on a Super Cup win over Real Madrid, vows to adapt quickly, and confirms that this Barcelona is stronger than the one he previously knew. He also shares optimism about Lamine Yamal and the squad’s future, while stressing that rival Madrid’s fate doesn’t touch Barca. A couple of light-hearted quips close the piece.