Alonso was only in charge since June

Real Madrid have confirmed that Xabi Alonso has left his role as first team head coach after just over seven months in charge, with Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final proving decisive. The loss to their biggest rivals, combined with Madrid sitting four points behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga, brought an abrupt end to Alonso’s brief tenure on the Bernabéu bench.

Alvaro Arbeloa will take over effective immediately.

Alonso officially began his role on June 1, arriving in Madrid after a highly successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the domestic double in the 2023/24 season and guided the club to the Europa League final. His start in Madrid was encouraging. After overseeing a run to the Club World Cup semi-finals, Alonso led the team to 13 wins in his next 14 matches, with the only blemish a heavy derby defeat to Atlético Madrid.

Momentum shifted in early November, however, when a loss at Liverpool on 4 November triggered a downturn in form. Madrid managed just two wins in an eight-game stretch, raising concerns inside the club hierarchy. Although Alonso steadied the ship with a subsequent run of five consecutive victories, it ultimately failed to restore full confidence among decision-makers.

With Barcelona pulling clear in the title race and another Clásico defeat on a major stage, Real Madrid’s leadership opted for change. Alonso departs with his reputation intact, but his first managerial chapter at the club he once captained has come to an unexpectedly swift conclusion.

Real Madrid Official Statement

“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end.
 
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
 
“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

It was a wild super wild card weekend in the National Football League with last minute heroics and crushing moments for several teams. Fans witnessed dramatic finishes across every matchup as the postseason opened with unforgettable tension.

Rams at Panthers

The weekend opened with the Rams edging the Panthers in a tight contest. Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes and delivered the winning strike with under a minute left. The Rams held off a late Carolina push and advanced with a 34 to 31 victory.

Bears at Packers

Chicago stunned Green Bay with a furious fourth quarter rally. The Bears erased an eighteen point deficit and surged ahead with a dominant late run. Their comeback sealed a 31 to 27 win and sent shockwaves through the NFC field.

Bills at Jaguars

Buffalo and Jacksonville traded blows in a tense battle. Josh Allen powered the Bills with a late touchdown run that broke a tied game in the final minutes. A key interception ended the Jaguars hopes and secured a 27 to 24 Buffalo win.

49ers at Eagles

San Francisco leaned on steady play and timely defense to defeat Philadelphia. Brock Purdy guided the 49ers offense with efficient drives that kept pressure on the Eagles. The 49ers closed out a 23 to 19 win and advanced to face Seattle.

Chargers at Patriots

New England controlled the game from the start and shut down the Chargers offense. The Patriots defense forced mistakes and limited scoring chances throughout the night. Their steady approach produced a 16 to 3 victory and a spot in the next round.

What Comes Next

The divisional round now features several compelling matchups shaped by these dramatic finishes. Each advancing team carries momentum from a weekend filled with pressure and resolve. The next round promises more intensity as the road to the championship continues.

If you want, I can shape this into a sidebar package with quick link boxes for each game.

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter this wild card matchup riding the emotional high of last week’s AFC North clincher. Their win over the Baltimore Ravens came down to a final kick that sailed wide right, sealing a tense 26 to 24 victory. Aaron Rodgers guided the offense with calm precision, while the defense delivered key stops that kept Baltimore from closing the gap. Reports from national outlets and local Pittsburgh coverage describe a team that leaned on veteran leadership and defensive grit to secure the division title.

Rodgers vs Stroud

Aaron Rodgers now steps into a marquee quarterback duel with Houston’s CJ Stroud. Rodgers has provided stability and timely playmaking for Pittsburgh throughout the season, helping the Steelers overcome early inconsistency. Stroud enters the game after leading Houston to a strong finish, including a decisive win over Indianapolis in Week 18. His accuracy and poise have drawn praise across Houston media, and he remains central to the Texans offensive identity. Both quarterbacks bring contrasting styles, with Rodgers relying on experience and Stroud showcasing dynamic growth.

Defense Is Key To Victory

The defensive battle may define the night. Pittsburgh welcomes the return of JJ Watt, whose presence adds power and leadership to a unit already anchored by standout performers. The Steelers defense has thrived on pressure and timely turnovers, shaping many of their wins. Houston counters with a defense that has been among the league’s most efficient, holding opponents in check during their late season surge. Analysts across national and local outlets point to key defenders on both sides who could shift momentum with a single play.

The Winner Moves On

The winner of this matchup moves on to face a formidable opponent in the divisional round. Pittsburgh would carry the confidence of a division title and a home playoff win into the next stage. Houston would advance with the momentum of a strong finish and a road victory that reinforces their status as a rising contender. Coverage from league and local sources suggests that whichever team advances will face a challenging path, but both possess the talent and resilience to make a deep postseason run