Xabi Alonso has left his position as Real Madrid manager after just eight months in charge, with his former Liverpool team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa taking over.

The La Liga side said former Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso, 44, had left by "mutual consent" and minutes later announced Arbeloa's appointment.

The former Spain and Real full-back has been promoted from coaching Real's B team.

Real were beaten by rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday and trail Barca by four points in La Liga.

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