Former Newcastle United and Liverpool manager sacked by La Liga club after Real Madrid defeat

Former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has been sacked by Celta Vigo following their 4-0 hiding at Real Madrid.

The Spaniard leaves his post after just nine months, with the Sky Blues sitting two points above the relegation zone. Celta was Benitez’s first job since being dismissed by Everton two years ago.

After initially impressing at Goodison Park, the tide soon turned on the veteran coach and, given his Liverpool links, the Toffees hierarchy swiftly pulled the trigger. Benitez was not afforded the same honeymoon period when he returned to Spain, winning just one of his first 16 league games.

Winning just five La Liga fixtures in total plummeted the club towards the relegation zone. Celta made the decision to pull the trigger following a dismal showing at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Goals from Vinicius Junior, Vicente Guaita, Carlos Dominguez and Arda Guler ensured a 4-0 rout. Real Madrid - another one of Benitez’s former clubs - put the final nail in the coffin to cement their status as league leaders.

The decision comes just weeks after Benitez persuaded Javier Manquillo to leave Newcastle in January. His Toon deal was cut short so he could reunite with the man who brought him to Tyneside seven years ago.

A brief club statement confirmed that the 63-year-old had been sacked due to on-field results. The announcement read: “Rafa Benitez and his staff leave RC Celta after eight months of absolute dedication and total commitment but in which the team has not obtained the results expected by the club.

"The club would like to express to Rafa Benítez and his assistants its most sincere gratitude for the honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival and the tireless work they have done. RC Celta would also like to wish them the best of luck and success in the future."