Real Madrid manager Benitez reportedly sacked

France legend Zinedine Zidane - the coach of Real Madrid's second team, Castilla - is expected to take over

Rafa Benitez has been sacked as coach of Real Madrid, according to reports in the Spanish press.

Sunday night’s 2-2 draw with Valencia has proved to be the final straw for president Florentino Perez with the club likely to confirm the news soon.

France legend Zinedine Zidane - the coach of Real Madrid's second team, Castilla - is expected to take over.

Benitez- the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss has endured a tough season at the Bernabeu since taking over in June, and while he only finds his side four points off Atletico de Madrid at the top of La Liga, he has reportedly had fall outs with key players and been criticised for his defensive style of football.

Benitez was also denied the chance for another piece of silverware, the Copa del Rey, after an administrative gaffe saw them expelled for fielding an ineligible player against Cadiz.