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Rafa Benitez out as Real Madrid manager; Zidane in

Real Madrid CF v Real Sociedad de Futbol - La Liga

MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Rafael Benitez of Real Madrid CF reacts prior to start the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 30, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

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So much for that vote of confidence.

On Nov. 23, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said the solution to what ails his club is sticking with Rafa Benitez.

[ MORE: Wenger gives Gunners some time off ]

About six weeks later, he’s sacked the man after an exciting 2-2 draw at Valencia left Madrid four points back of table leaders Atleti, and two points back of Barcelona (which has played one less game than the aforementioned sides).

Zinedine Zidane will take charge of the club. From the BBC:

Frenchman Zidane, a former Real player and World Cup winner, said: “I am going to put my heart and soul into this job so that everything works out well.”

Since the very public vote of confidence, Madrid has advanced from the UEFA Champions League group stage, and gone 4-1-1 in La Liga play. They were also bounced from the Copa del Rey for using ineligible players.

Perez is crazy. First he fires Carlo Ancelotti to bring in Benitez. Now it’s off with Rafa. Is this a prelude to the return of Jose Mourinho? And who else could be in the mix?

Then again, perhaps it’s just Real Madrid in general that’s nuts, booing an dwhistling away when Ronaldo misses a penalty kick. They won the Champions League two seasons ago, their 10th. Wild.

Follow @NicholasMendola