Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso with immediate effect.

The 44-year-old was in charge for just eight months but has endured a tough time in charge of the Spanish giants.

Madrid were on the end of a Spanish Super Cup loss to rivals Barcelona on Sunday night, a match which proved to be the final straw for the former Bayer Leverkusen boss.

Ex-Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has taken over at the Santiago Bernabeu.

More to follow…