Atlético bid Bianchi goodbye

Zaragoza disappointment
Atlético were booed off the pitch after Ewerthon's winner at the Vicente Calderón, which prompted the club to hold talks with the coach this morning at which it was decided to terminate his contract. Bianchi took over at the start of the season but was unable to inspire an improvement in Atlético's fortunes, with the team lying 12th in the Primera División with only four wins from 18 matches.

Murcia replacement
The 56-year-old Argentinian had announced his intention to carry on after the Zaragoza setback, saying: "It wasn't the performance we wanted, but I haven't thought of quitting. I'm a professional and I want to carry on working at the club." Atlético, however, believed a change of direction was needed and after president Enrique Cerezo had confirmed Bianchi's departure, it was announced that Pepe Murcia, boss of Atlético's B team, would take charge for Saturday's league trip to Real Betis Balompié.