BREAKING: Xabi Alonso sacked by Real Madrid after Barcelona defeat and Vinicius row

Xabi Alonso only joined Real Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but the former midfielder has already departed the Santiago Bernabeu following a disappointing first season

Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid have sacked manager Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid have sacked manager Xabi Alonso in the aftermath of their Spanish Super Cup defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Barcelona. The Spaniard was only appointed in the summer after a hugely successful spell with German side Bayern Leverkusen.

But following a disappointing season in which Real Madrid have lagged behind Barcelona in the league and suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Catalans in the Spanish Super Cup, Real have decided to do away with Alonso's services just eight months into a three-year deal.

A club statement read: " 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."

Away from a clutch of disappointing results, Alonso's spell at the Bernabeu has been impacted by a frosty relationship with winger Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian forward had an angry reaction to his substitution vs Barcelona back in October and appeared to claim he wanted to leave the club.