Rafa Benítez's dismissal is not a matter of if, but when. The debacle against Barcelona would seem to have made the decision a foregone conclusion.

The Real Madrid board no longer have faith in the coach, who has lost the dressing room in less than three months.

The suits at the Bernabéu are well aware that the squad aren't behind the Madrid-born manager, whatever they say in public. Benítez has no relationship to speak of with several of the big-name players, chief among them Cristiano Ronaldo.

The knives are also out for the ex-Valencia, Liverpool, Inter, Chelsea and Napoli boss among the fans, many of whom have called for the 55-year-old's head. It looks like there is only one way things can end, sooner or later, although Benítez may well cling to the dramatic reversal of fortunes enjoyed by his 'Clásico' conqueror - Luis Enrique, who also appeared to be on the chopping block at one point - as a glimmer of hope.