Rafael Benitez was already on shaky ground going into the first Clásico of the season last November, having been an unpopular choice to take over in the summer and facing criticism since for his perceived defensive tactics. It was a surprise to many then when he decided to go up against the best team in Europe without a holding midfielder and fielding an attacking quartet of James Rodríguez, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and a half-fit Karim Benzema. As many could have predicted, it was a disaster. Real Madrid were humbled 4-0 and two months later Benitez was out.