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Soccer

Pressure increases on Rafael Benitez after another loss for Real Madrid

The La Liga title race is still very tight, with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid locked on 3...



Pressure increases on Rafael B...
Soccer

Pressure increases on Rafael Benitez after another loss for Real Madrid

The La Liga title race is still very tight, with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid locked on 35 points atop the table, but even with just 15 games played, a number of people are writing off the challenge of los blancos.

Sunday night's loss to Villareal hasn't helped matters either, as Roberto Soldado's slick finish in between the legs of Keylor Navas gave the home side a massive victory. 

The lack of ability to control the game from midfield was highlighted in the wake of the loss, and having kept Toni Kroos on the bench, Rafael Benítez is beginning to feel the pressure of harsh media criticism. 

Speaking on the 'El Larguero' show on Cadena SER radio after the match, General Manager of Real Madrid Jorge Valdano said that the team is "paying for the disconnect that exists between the team and the coach" and that they played with a level of "mediocrity" that was not befitting of a Madrid team. 

Meanwhile, Marca have claimed that this is the worst Madrid team since the 2008/09 side, which won eight, drew two and lost five of their first 15 matches. With nine wins, three draws and three losses this time around, they are slightly better off than the side from a few years ago, but that season they still managed to finish second in the league and win the Copa del Rey.

That would hardly be enough to save the former Liverpool manager's job, however, and may well see him under pressure within the coming weeks if results and performances on the pitch don't improve very quickly.

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