After a difficult start as Real Madrid manager, Alvaro Arbeloa will know the importance of progressing past Jose Mourinho's Benfica in the Champions League play-off round.
Alonso was sacked as Madrid boss on Monday after just a matter of months at the helm on the back of his side's 3-2 defeat by arch rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Xabi Alonso leaves his position as Real Madrid manager after less than eight months in charge as former Liverpool team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa is appointed as replacement.