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Álvaro Arbeloa has replaced Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid Head Coach, the club announced on Monday.

In a statement, the club said  Arbeola, B team manager, would take over the role as Real Madrid’s manager.

According to the club, Alonso left by mutual agreement.

In a separate statement Madrid then announced Arbeloa would take Alonso’s place, without specifying the length of the 42-year-old’s contract.

“Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s academy since 2020,” said Los Blancos.

READ ALSO: Real Madrid Head Coach Alonso Leaves Club

A day after the team lost the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, the club parted ways with the Basque coach eight months after his arrival and immediately appointed former Madrid player Arbeloa, who was coaching the reserve side.

“Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end,” said the Los Blancos in a statement.

Arbeloa’s first match at the helm is a Copa del Rey last-16 visit to face second-tier Albacete on Wednesday.

The Spaniard played 238 times for Madrid between 2009-2016, winning two Champions League titles and La Liga once, among other silverware.

Arbeloa also lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010, as well as the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, playing alongside Alonso for club and country.

Alonso joined in June, replacing veteran Carlo Ancelotti, but Madrid struggled to find consistency under the Basque coach and are second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona.

Los Blancos were outplayed in a 3-2 defeat in Saudi Arabia on Sunday by Hansi Flick’s side, the 44-year-old’s last at the helm.

Alonso was close to the sack towards the end of 2025 but a run of five consecutive wins kept him in his position, until the Super Cup defeat.

Alonso had signed a three-season deal after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, until June 2028.

The team were thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in July in the Club World Cup semi-finals, which was an early setback for the coach.

Despite a Clasico win over Barcelona in October, it appeared president Florentino Perez had not fully warmed to Alonso, who had intended to bring a modern coaching approach to the team.

The team struggled through a run of poor form amid an injury crisis, with Spanish media reporting some players had fallen out with him and that Alonso would be ousted if they failed to beat Manchester City in the Champions League in December.

Madrid lost but the performance was solid enough that Alonso was given more time to try and save his job.

A self-proclaimed marabout, or traditional folk healer, who allegedly collected €33,500 by promising victory for Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations, was arrested for fraud after the team lost.

Mali’s national team was eliminated last Friday in the quarter finals by Senegal 1-0.

READ ALSO: AFCON: Six Things We Learnt From Nigeria’s Victory Over Algeria

The man, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, allegedly collected more than 22 million CFA francs in donations, according to an associate.

Following Mali’s defeat, an angry mob showed up at his home before police intervened and removed him.

Sinayogo was arrested in the Malian capital Bamako on Saturday for alleged “fraud” and was being held at the cybercrime division, according to two videographers who visited him.

“Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” an official from the division told AFP.

However, arresting the man while the national team was still competing would have been difficult “in the heat of the Africa Cup of Nations,” he added.

The man, formerly known as a political activist, “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune,” a social media content creator close to him said.

Senegal Triumph

Recalled Iliman Ndiaye scored in the first half to give Senegal a 1-0 victory over 10-man Mali in Tangiers on Friday in the first Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final.

Mali hopes were dealt a severe blow in first-half added time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after being shown a second yellow card.

The only goal followed a blunder by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who then made a string of superb saves to prevent Senegal increasing their lead.

Seeking a third final appearance in four editions, 2022 champions Senegal will face title-holders Ivory Coast or record seven-time winners Egypt, who meet on Saturday, in the semi-finals.

“I am happy to have won the player of the match award, but the most important thing is we have progressed to the semi-finals. We played well and are constantly improving,” said Ndiaye.

The 25-year-old Everton striker started in all three group matches, but was an unused substitute in the last-16 victory over Sudan six days ago.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said: “It was not an easy match against a talented Mali team. Had we been more clinical in front of goal we could have scored more goals.”

“It was a difficult match for us because we had to play (half) of it with 10 men,” said Mali coach Tom Saintfiet. “I am proud of the players for what they did, not only tonight but throughout the AFCON.”

Bissouma was yellow-carded midway through the opening half for fouling Senegal striker and twice African player of the year Sadio Mane.

Mali striker Lassine Sinayoko then broke clear only to be foiled by superb sliding tackle from fellow French Ligue 1 player Krepin Diatta.

Real Madrid said Monday that coach Xabi Alonso has left the Spanish giants by mutual consent, to be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.

A day after the team lost the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, the club parted ways with the Basque coach and immediately appointed former Madrid player Arbeloa, who was coaching the reserve side.

“Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end,” said the Los Blancos in a statement.

READ ALSO: Liverpool’s Bradley Out For The Season With Knee Injury

In a separate statement Madrid then announced Arbeloa would take Alonso’s place, without specifying the length of the 42-year-old’s contract.

“Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s academy since 2020,” said Los Blancos.

Alonso joined in June, replacing veteran Carlo Ancelotti, but Madrid struggled to find consistency under the Basque coach and are second in La Liga, four points behind Barca.

Los Blancos were outplayed in a 3-2 defeat in Saudi Arabia on Sunday by Hansi Flick’s side, the 44-year-old’s last at the helm.

Alonso was close to the sack towards the end of 2025, but a run of five consecutive wins kept him in his position until the Super Cup defeat.

Manchester United’s problems mounted as the managerless Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 defeat against Brighton on Sunday.

Brajan Gruda put Brighton ahead in the first half at Old Trafford, and former United striker Danny Welbeck netted after the break.

Benjamin Sesko’s reply came too late to save his side from a third-round exit as United teenager Shea Lacey was sent off in the final moments.

United were barraged by jeers from furious fans following the latest miserable result in another troubled season.

Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher has failed to stop the rot following Ruben Amorim’s shock sacking on Monday, with United looking to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season

Former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, a decorated ex-United midfielder, have both been linked with the temporary role.

But regardless of United’s past pedigree, the chaos enveloping Old Trafford hardly makes it an appealing job for any manager of stature these days.

Welbeck, 35, was at United when they won their most recent Premier League title in 2013 under Alex Ferguson, who watched the Brighton debacle from the directors’ box as the current generation showed how far they have fallen from the Scot’s golden era.

United, currently a disappointing seventh in the Premier League, are without a win in four games and have managed only one victory in their last seven matches.

That wretched form is unlikely to improve anytime soon with United hosting Manchester City next weekend before travelling to Premier League leaders Arsenal on January 25.

After a humiliating League Cup loss at fourth-tier Grimsby in August, United have exited both domestic cups at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981-82.

Avenging their 2023 FA Cup semi-final loss to United, Brighton have now won on four of their last five visits to Old Trafford.

READ ALSO: Martinelli’s Hat-Trick Fires Arsenal Past Portsmouth In FA Cup

 United in disarray 

United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo started for only the second time this season as Fletcher left Casemiro on the bench in one of three changes from the midweek 2-2 draw at lowly Burnley.

Albion keeper Jason Steele made fine saves to deny Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes in the early stages.

But Brighton made the most of those escapes to take the lead in the 12th minute.

Welbeck was the catalyst with an incisive run and cross to Georginio Rutter, whose header was cleared off the line by Lisandro Martinez before Gruda slammed past Senne Lammens from close-range.

United were in disarray, and chants against co-owners Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family rang around Old Trafford.

Fernandes sent a free-kick wide, and Matheus Cunha was narrowly off-target as United trudged off with boos ringing in their ears at half-time.

Mainoo was hauled off in the second half after a lacklustre display that did little to rebuke Amorim’s decision to ignore him for much of this season.

United’s problems are far wider than just Mainoo, and Brighton punished their shambolic defending to double the lead in the 64th minute.

Gruda was given time and space to pick out Welbeck inside the area, and he lashed an exquisite strike past Lammens as the atmosphere turned even more toxic.

Sesko set up a frenetic finale after heading home from Fernandes’ 85th-minute corner.

But United couldn’t muster a late escape as Lacey, already on a booking, brought a fitting end to a painful defeat when he was sent off for throwing the ball away in frustration.

Nigeria secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Algeria in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal, with second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, setting up a semi-final clash against hosts Morocco.

The Super Eagles delivered an impressive performance, especially considering they had missed out on World Cup qualification just two months prior.

READ ALSO: [AFCON] Tinubu Hails Super Eagles Over Quarter-Final Win

From the beginning of the match at the Grand Stade de Marrakesh, they overwhelmed their opponents with determination, speed, and strength in challenges. Remarkably, they denied their rivals any scoring opportunities throughout the game.

Eric Chelle’s men will now look forward to what many will call their toughest test yet, against the hosts, Morocco, on Wednesday

Takeaways from Nigeria vs Algeria Match

But before that game, here are six takeaways from the Nigeria vs Algeria match

Nigeria Dominated Overall Play

Tactical Awareness, Collectiveness Was Key

Yet again, the Super Eagles delivered a disciplined, well-coordinated performance that reflected clear planning and strong in-game understanding across all departments.

At the back, Nigeria’s defenders maintained a compact shape, ensuring minimal space between the lines. The centre-back pairing of Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi stayed disciplined rather than stepping out recklessly, while the fullbacks timed their forward runs intelligently.

This balance allowed Nigeria to defend solidly without sacrificing attacking width. Algeria were frequently forced wide or backward, unable to play through Nigeria’s defensive block.

In midfield, Nigeria’s work rate and positional awareness stood out. The midfielders provided constant cover for the defence while also acting as the link between the defence and the attack.

When Nigeria were out of possession, they pressed in coordinated units rather than individually, cutting off passing lanes and slowing Algeria’s build-up. In possession, they moved the ball quickly and efficiently, allowing Nigeria to transition smoothly from defence into attack.

The use of the flanks was a key tactical feature. Nigeria’s fullbacks pushed high at the right moments, stretching Algeria’s defensive line and creating overloads out wide. This width forced Algeria’s defenders to shift laterally, opening spaces centrally for the forwards.

Crosses and cut-backs from wide areas repeatedly put Algeria under pressure, even when clear chances did not immediately materialise.

Nigeria’s Attack Looked More Balanced

For years, Nigeria’s attacking identity has often revolved around  Osimhen as the primary source of goals and intensity. While his presence remains central, the emergence of Akor Adams as a genuine scoring option altered the dynamics.

Algeria could no longer afford to focus all their defensive attention on shutting down Osimhen, as doing so created spaces elsewhere, spaces Akor was quick to exploit.

Akor’s willingness to make intelligent off-ball runs complemented Osimhen’s direct, physical style. While the 27-year-old occupied centre-backs with his pressing, aerial duels, and hold-up play, the Sevilla forward found gaps between defenders and timed his movements into the box effectively.

This dual threat made Nigeria’s attack less predictable and more difficult to contain.

The shared scoring responsibility also had a psychological impact. Osimhen was able to play with greater freedom, dropping deeper to link play or drifting wide without the constant burden of being the sole match-winner.

In turn, this improved Nigeria’s fluidity in the final third, as attacks were built through combinations rather than rushed, individual actions.

Iwobi Still Instrumental In Decisive Moments

One person who has been key to Nigeria’s outing at the AFCON is Alex Iwobi. It would be an understatement to say he is enjoying the tournament. The Fulham man has been a ”revelation” to say the least.

In attacking phases, Iwobi provided creative connectivity rather than flashiness. He helped shift play wide, supported overlapping runs, and timed his forward movements to keep Algeria’s midfield occupied.

Even when not directly involved in goals, his movement and passing helped open spaces for forwards like Osimhen and Akor to exploit, particularly as Nigeria increased their dominance in the second half.

Defensively, Iwobi’s work rate stood out. He tracked runners, pressed intelligently rather than recklessly, and contributed to Nigeria’s compact shape when protecting the lead.

Algeria Struggled To Generate Offensive Chances

Meanwhile, Algeria’s difficulty in generating offensive chances was one of the defining features of the match and a direct reflection of Nigeria’s tactical control.

Throughout the game, the Desert Foxes found it hard to progress the ball cleanly into dangerous areas. Nigeria’s midfield of Wilfred Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka pressed aggressively and cut off passing lanes, forcing Algeria to circulate possession sideways or backwards rather than play through the centre.

Whenever Algeria attempted to build from deep, they were quickly met by coordinated pressure that disrupted their timing and limited forward momentum.

In the final third, the North Africans lacked penetration and clarity. Their attacking players were often isolated, with little support arriving from midfield, which made it easy for Nigeria’s defenders to contain one-on-one situations.

The Final Whistle Did Little To End Tensions

Players from both sides converged near the centre of the pitch, with heated exchanges, pushing, and confrontations involving not only players but also members of the technical benches.

Match officials were forced to intervene quickly to prevent the situation from escalating further.

The tension appeared to stem from a mix of frustration and high stakes. For Algeria, the defeat marked an abrupt end to a promising AFCON campaign, and some of their players visibly reacted to decisions made late in the game, including fouls and stoppages that disrupted their attempts to mount a comeback.

Nigeria’s players, meanwhile, were seen defending teammates and responding to perceived provocation as celebrations began.

Security personnel and coaching staff played a key role in restoring order, shepherding players away from flashpoints and toward the dressing rooms.

While the situation eventually de-escalated, the scenes underlined just how emotionally charged knockout football at AFCON can be, especially between two traditional continental heavyweights.

Super Eagles Face Africa’s Best

World number one Aryna Sabalenka warmed up for a tilt at a third Australian Open title in four years in ominous fashion by winning her second successive Brisbane International crown on Sunday.

Sabalenka scored a dominant 6-4, 6-3 win over Marta Kostyuk in just 78 minutes.

“Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well,” said Sabalenka after a tournament in which she powered to the title without dropping a set.

Looking ahead to the Australian Open, which begins next Sunday, Sabalenka said: “The only thing I know is that I’ll be there, I’ll be fighting.”

Salablenka lost in the Melbourne Park final last year to Madison Keys, having been the Australian Open champion in 2023 and 2024.

“I’ll do my best to go as far as possible,” said Sabalenka. “And do a little bit better than last year. That’s my focus.”

Kostyuk, the world number 26, had enjoyed a spectacular week, beating three top 10 players on the way to the final.

But she had no answer to the power of Sabalenka and the Ukrainian’s serve, so reliable in the early rounds, also went off the boil.

Sabalenka was rarely troubled on her own delivery and faced only three break points.

The 27-year-old Belarusian said she had tried to introduce new elements to her game so she wasn’t relying just on power, and that had paid off this week.

READ ALSO: High-Flying Super Eagles Defeat Algeria’s Desert Foxes To Reach AFCON Semi-Final

Ukraine spotlight

“I finally found the touch game,” she said.

“I figured something and I kind of changed my game style — now I’m not only the aggressive player, I can play at the net, I can be in defence, I can use my slice, I have a good touch.

“I’m super happy to see that things are clicking together.”

There has been animosity between the two players in the past.

Like many Ukrainian players, Kostyuk refuses to shake hands with Russians or Belarusians because of the war in her homeland.

There was no handshake at the end of the Brisbane final, and in her speech at the trophy presentation, Kostyuk brought up the situation in Ukraine.

“I play every day with a pain in my heart, and there are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now,” she said.

“It’s minus 20 degrees outside, and it’s very painful to live this reality every day.”

Sabalenka said she wasn’t concerned by Kostyuk’s attitude towards her.

“It’s their position, what can I do?” she asked.

“When I go out there, I think about my tennis and the things I have to do to get the win.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula there. I have nothing to prove. I go there, and I just compete as an athlete.”

Kostyuk told reporters she was determined to keep what is happening in Ukraine in the public eye.

“I think it’s important for me to use my platform in the right way, and my platform is Ukraine, because I represent Ukraine,” she said.

“So I think it’s really important to talk about that.”