Rayo Vallecano, languishing at the bottom of the Spanish first division, have sacked their coach Gustavo Benitez.

Benitez, a 49-year-old Paraguayan, had been at the club since January when he was installed as a replacement for Fernando Vazquez. However, his arrival failed to inspire a revival in the Madrid club’s ortunes and now he has suffered the same fate as his predecessor.

Antonio Iriondo, formerly in charge of Rayo’s B team, has been placed in charge of the club until the end of the season.

Rayo are three points adrift at the foot of the table after their 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.