Rafa Benitez
Real Madrid's coach Rafa Benitez reacts during a news conference a day ahead of their "Clasico" soccer match against Barcelona at the Valdebebas training grounds outside Madrid, Spain, November 20, 2015. REUTERS/Susana Vera

Following a phase of mediocre results, Rafa Benítez’s time with Real Madrid has come to an end as the Spanish press announced earlier today. The news indicated that club president Florentino Peréz called an emergency meeting with the club’s directive board and deliberated on Benítez’s termination after much consideration. The former Chelsea and Liverpool coach endured a very tough and short season since taking over in June. Benítez even lost the team the chance to win the Copa del Rey after fielding an ineligible player against Cadiz and getting the team expelled.

Spanish newspaper Marca announced Benítez will be substituted by former player and coach of Real Madrid's second team, Castilla, Zinedine Zidane. The news will break at a press conference later today. Zidane will now have to seize the team’s last chance for glory this season at the Champions League. His first match after taking over will be against Roma next February.

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