Lopetegui is let go by Real
REAL MADRID have sacked coach Julen Lopetegui three months into his first season in charge after the Spanish giants were beaten by rivals Barcelona in El Clasico.
Real have failed to win in the league since beating Espanyol on September 22, losing to Sevilla, Alaves, Levante and drawing with Atletico Madrid before Sunday’s 5-1 thrashing by Barcelona.
Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was the favourite to succeed Lopetegui, but reports last night suggested talks had broken down and that reserve-team boss Santiago Solari would take charge.
Former Real star Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has spoken about the impact the rape allegation made against him has had on his family, saying it has left his mother and sisters “stunned” and “very angry”.
Ronaldo is being sued by a woman in the USA who claims he raped her in 2009. Ronaldo, who has denied the allegation, said: “I gave an explanation to my partner. My son is too little to understand. The worst is for my mother and sisters.” LEEDS defender Luke Ayling will miss eight weeks with a right knee injury. Ayling, left, limped off during the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Leeds head of medicine Rob Price said: “The prognosis could have been worse. The injury to the ligament is isolated and the rest of the knee is fine, which is encouraging.” ●CRYSTAL PALACE’S James McArthur has retired from Scotland duty after deciding his body can no longer cope with the rigours of international football.