Following the match at King Abdullah Sport City on 11/1, Barcelona players proactively formed a clapping guard of honor as Real Madrid went to receive their runner-up medals. However, when it was coach Hansi Flick's squad's turn to step onto the podium, Real Madrid did not reciprocate the gesture.

Alonso signaled for Mbappe and his players to approach and congratulate their opponents. But the French forward clearly showed his disagreement, raising his hand in frustration before turning his back and walking away. The Real Madrid players also disregarded Alonso's request, instead following Mbappe's lead. The Spanish coach could only trail behind his players, a clear admission of helplessness.

Real Madrid players defied Alonso, following Mbappe during the Spanish Super Cup award ceremony.

British newspaper Sportmail commented that this action was the last straw, potentially leading to Alonso's early departure from the Bernabeu. This moment also reflected Alonso's tumultuous time at Real Madrid, where he faced constant challenges to his authority from his own players. Previously, Vinicius reportedly told President Florentino Perez directly that he would not extend his contract if Alonso remained in charge.

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague commented on the viral video: "After this moment, Xabi must have thought: 'No, this cannot continue here'."

Barcelona President Joan Laporta expressed surprise at Real Madrid's behavior. He said, "I was surprised they did not form a guard of honor. Even in defeat, you still need generosity and respect. But I understand it was a difficult moment for them, perhaps that's why they reacted that way."

Coach Xabi Alonso gives instructions during Real Madrid's 2-3 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on 10/1. *Photo: AP*

On the evening of 12/1, Real Madrid announced a mutual agreement to part ways with Alonso, after just over half a year of collaboration. Subsequently, the Royal club announced that former defender Alvaro Arbeloa, Alonso's former teammate at Liverpool and Real Madrid, would take over as the new first-team head coach.

Despite the controversial conduct after the Spanish Super Cup final, Mbappe was the first Real Madrid player to pay tribute to Alonso on social media. "It was not a long time, but truly an honor to play and learn from you, coach," the 27-year-old forward wrote. "Thank you for believing in me from day one. I will remember you as a coach with clear vision and deep understanding of football. I wish you good luck on your next journey."

Many other Real Madrid players later bid farewell to Alonso, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, Dani Ceballos, Andriy Lunin, Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, Gonzalo Garcia, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, and captain Dani Carvajal.

Meanwhile, those who have not yet spoken out include Vinicius, Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham, Brahim Diaz — who is currently playing in the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco — and Endrick, the forward on loan at Lyon.

Alonso managed Real Madrid for a total of 34 matches, with six losses, four draws, and 24 wins. He achieved a 70,59% win rate, the sixth highest in Real Madrid's history, trailing only Carlo Ancelotti (70,8%), Radomir Antic (71%), Jose Mourinho (71,9%), and Manuel Pellegrini (75%). However, Alonso is the first coach to manage more than 30 matches at Real Madrid without winning a trophy since Manuel Pellegrini in the 2009-2010 season. That was also Alonso's first season playing for Real Madrid at the peak of his career.

By Hong Duy (Source: Daily Mail, Marca)