Los Blancos end 2016 with three trophies and only two defeats as they also sit on top of La Liga - an incredible transformation since Rafa Benitez was replaced in January

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The year started amid uncertainty for Real Madrid. With poor performances and also results, plus an unhappy dressing room, Rafa Benitez lasted only one match in 2016 before he was relieved of his duties. But what has happened since is nothing short of sensational.
When Zinedine Zidane took the reins in January, many said he was not ready. After all, he had coached only Madrid's youth team, Castilla. Defeat to Atletico in the derby at the Santiago Bernabeu was an early setback, but it turned out to be one of only two losses for the Frenchman in 2016.
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Zidane's side went to Camp Nou and won the Clasico in March, pushing Barcelona all the way to the wire in La Liga and missing out on the title by a single point. Madrid then edged out Atletico on penalties to win the Champions League in Milan.
Up until then, there had been doubts over the Frenchman's future. But president Florentino Perez had seen his decision to remove Rafa and bring in Zidane vindicated. And there was more to come as Madrid added the UEFA Super Cup in August, with Sergio Ramos' late leveller forcing extra-time against Sevilla, before Dani Caravjal's strike won the trophy.