Striker Kylian Mbappe was absent as Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa took charge of his first training session on Tuesday, after replacing Xabi Alonso at the helm of the Spanish giants.

Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with an entertaining 3-2 Clasico win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Gonzalo Garcia bagged a hat-trick for Real Madrid as they beat Real Betis 5-1 on Sunday to stay on La Liga leaders Barcelona's tail.

The French striker was diagnosed with a knee strain on Wednesday, expected to keep him out for at least three weeks.

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes's goals earned Real Madrid a tense 2-1 win at Alaves in La Liga on Sunday to potentially keep coach Xabi Alonso in his job.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Kylian Mbappe is fit to play on Sunday against Alaves in LaLiga, as his depleted team bid to turn around a run of bad results.

Alonso, whom Spanish media reported was set for the sack if Madrid lost against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, remains at the helm despite a 2-1 defeat at a frustrated, whistling Bernabeu.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said he feels backed by his squad to stay at the helm despite a 2-1 Champions League defeat by Manchester City on Wednesday.

Manchester City came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday in the Champions League and leave Xabi Alonso's position as coach of the Spanish giants in grave danger.

Under-pressure Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso insisted the situation he is in can swiftly change ahead of a potentially pivotal Champions League clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.

Alonso's side have struggled for form in recent weeks, leading to speculation over his future at the club in Spanish media.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Tuesday French superstar Kylian Mbappe was vital to the team for more than just his prolific goalscoring.

Real Madrid were held to a third consecutive La Liga draw in a 1-1 tie at Girona on Sunday, allowing Barcelona to retain pole position.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Tuesday he must know how to handle criticism and media speculation over his future while at the helm of the Spanish giants.

La Liga leaders Real Madrid were left frustrated in a 0-0 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, giving champions Barcelona a chance to close in on them.

Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid romped to a 4-0 win over Valencia on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Bellingham netted Madrid's second goal in their 2-1 La Liga win over Barcelona and set up the first for Kylian Mbappe.

Vinicius was taken off in the 71st minute and replaced by fellow Brazilian Rodrygo during their 2-1 win over their bitter rivals.

The 18-year-old Barca forward compared Real to Porcinos, a Kings League team, stating: "Of course! Yes, they cheat, they complain ..."

Xabi Alonso is set for his first El Clasico as a manager when Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga tonight. While Barca would be hoping to leapfrog leaders Real Madrid in the points table, Los Blancos would look for a much-needed victory after a bleak record last season.