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Rafa Benitez is not popular among Real Madrid fans currently
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Rafa Benitez jeered for controversial James Rodriguez substitution

The Colombian was replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the 58th minute.

RAFA BENITEZ’S DECISION to substitute James Rodriguez after just 58 minutes in the 3-1 win over Real Sociedad was met with whistles and jeers from the Real Madrid supporters.

The Colombian was replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the 58th minute and while he was applauded off the pitch, the Santiago Bernabeu fans quickly directed their ire towards Benitez.

Even though the score was tied at 1-1 after Bruma’s stunning equaliser cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty, Benitez opted to withdraw his most creative player on the day.

Incredibly, James created six chances during his hour on the pitch, more than the rest of the Madrid team put together (who collectively played just four key passes over the same period).

Fortunately for Benitez, a mere 10 minutes after infuriating the home crowd, Ronaldo stepped up to send an athletic volley into the back of the net to put Madrid back ahead.

The incident will, however, have further underlined Benitez’s rocky relationship with Madrid supporters, who even whistled and jeered when his name was read out pre-match — despite Real winning their previous match 10-2!

Victory against Sociedad sent Madrid top of the Liga table, though they are unlikely to see in the New Year in that position with Barcelona and Atletico both playing later in the day.

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