Valencia 2-2 Real Madrid: Benitez falls short against former club

Valencia denied former manager Rafael Benitez a much-needed win on his return to Mestalla as Paco Alcacer’s late header earned his side a 2-2 draw with 10-man Real Madrid

Benitez, making his return to a club he guided to two La Liga titles, will likely face further difficult questions over his future after another indifferent display that saw Alcacer grab the headlines moments after Gareth Bale looked to have headed in the winner.

Eibar 0-2 Real Madrid: Bale & Ronaldo net for Blancos

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo scored at the end of each half to give Real Madrid a 2-0 victory over Eibar, which moves the Blancos within six points of leaders Barcelona.

After taking a Clasico beating last weekend and conceding three to Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, Madrid were in need of a response, but laboured to victory against the Basque side with Ronaldo struggling badly in front of goal before he netted a late penalty.

Ramos, Bale and James miss Malmo trip

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez faces an injury crisis after Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez were ruled out of the Champions League clash with Malmo.

Bale and James miss out with muscular injuries, while Ramos is nursing a shoulder problem, with the trio joining Pep and Danilo in missing the trip to Sweden.

Benitez cools Mourinho war of words

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has opted to play down the reignited feud between himself and Chelseamanager Jose Mourinho, instead looking only to “speak about football” at a press conference on Wednesday.

Benitez’s wife Montse reopened the pair’s long-running rivalry when she playfully suggested the ex-Napoli boss had been appointed as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor to help clear up the “mess” left by Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2013 after he was previously appointed at Inter and Chelsea shortly after the Portuguese enjoyed successful stints with both.

Mourinho: Still the master of mind games

This is pre-season training, Jose Mourinho style. His Chelsea players are primed to start the campaign in peak condition. His defenders get practice against some of the world’s top strikers. His flair players are given chances to show their talent against the French and European champions. His team overcome first Paris Saint-Germain and then Barcelona.

But whatever shape Eden Hazard, John Terry and co are in, one thing is certain. Mourinho is in top form. He is fit and focused. He has warmed up by sharpening his tongue. In the space of 36 hours, the Chelsea manager has renewed rivalries with two of his bitterest foes.

Benitez confirmed as Real Madrid coach

The former Napoli boss replaces Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu after announcing his exit from the Italian side last week

Real Madrid have confirmed that Rafael Benitez is their new coach, replacing the sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.