DARK SECRETS: 13 | Rare Historical Photos

What’s in a club DNA? Alonso exit shows the only reliable predictors of success are wealth and good decisions

Real Madrid and Manchester United put their faith in familiarity but the lesson of Ferguson is dynastic greatness rests not in tradition but ditching principles

The Guardian - UK · Jan 15

Arbeloa starts Real Madrid tenure with disastrous Copa del Rey defeat at Albacete

Second-tier Albacete pulled off a huge upset with their 3-2 Copa del Rey victory in a disastrous start for the new Real Madrid manager, Álvaro Arbeloa

The Guardian - UK · Jan 14

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Albacete: Arbeloa Debut Ends in Humiliation

Los Blancos crashed out of the Copa del Rey in the round of 16.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 14

Albacete vs. Real Madrid—Copa del Rey: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

The Álvaro Arbeloa era at Real Madrid begins with a must-win cup game.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 14

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Albacete: Key Star Leads First XI of Arbeloa Era

The Copa del Rey quarterfinal takes place just 48 hours after Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 13

Three Lessons Alvaro Arbeloa Can Learn From Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup Failure

Xabi Alonso gave his successor a blueprint of what to avoid in the ensuing months.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 13

The Winners, Losers From Xabi Alonso’s Sudden Real Madrid Exit

The now departed Spaniard had a publicly strained relationship with Vinicius Junior.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 12

Real Madrid’s Next Five Matches Compared to Barcelona’s After Stunning Manager Change

Álvaro Arbeloa’s introduction to the Real Madrid dugout includes a reunion with one of his former managers.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 12

‘Undermining Authority’—Social Media Reacts to Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Exit

Fans had mixed reactions on social media regarding Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso’s decision to mutually part ways.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 12

Real Madrid Name New Manager After Sudden Xabi Alonso Exit

Alonso’s immediate successor has already been named by the Spanish giants.

Sports Illustrated · Jan 12