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Rafa Benitez Reportedly Not Invited to Real Madrid Players' Christmas Dinner

In the absence of a second leg against Cadiz in the Copa del Rey round of 32, Real Madrid's players reportedly held their Christmas dinner on Wednesday—and did not invite manager Rafa Benitez or the club's other coaching staff.

That's according to Marca, the publication noting the "squad closed ranks around a dining table to find the strength they need" ahead of Los Blancos' final two games of the year.

Real are third in La Liga, five points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid after losing three of their last five games, most recently a 1-0 defeat away at Villarreal on Dec.