Chaparro makes way at Betis

Real Betis Balompié have dismissed coach Francisco Chaparro after a run of one win in ten Liga games in their fight against relegation.

Nogués appointed
The 66-year-old has been sacked after Betis could only draw 3-3 at home to second-from-bottom CD Numancia on Saturday, a result which left the Seville-based club fourth-last in the Spanish top flight. Reserve-team coach José María Nogués has stepped into the breach until the end of the campaign, with the promise of the job on a permanent basis should he keep Betis up. They are currently one point off the relegation zone.

Sergio García out
Chaparro had helped to preserve Betis's Liga status both in the 2006/07 season, when he oversaw their decisive final-day win against Real Racing Club, and then again last term after he replaced Héctor Cúper in mid-campaign. The former Betis B trainer's cause has been hurt by injuries this season, however, and striker Sergio García became the Andalusians' latest casualty at the weekend. The Spanish international will miss the next four weeks after suffering a left knee sprain while celebrating scoring against Numancia. Betis's last victory came at neighbours Sevilla FC on 7 February.