Madrid appoint Solari as permanent manager until end of the season

Real Madrid have appointed Santiago Solari as their full-time manager for the rest of the season.

The former Bernabeau star has been in caretaker charge since Julen Lopetegui was sacked following the 5-1 defeat by Barcelona .

Solari has won all four games in temporary charge and Real have now filed paperwork with the Spanish FA.

The club had to make a decision today as an interim boss can only be in charge for two weeks.

Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had been president Florentino Perez's first choice to replace Lopetegui, but several senior players, including Sergio Ramos, voiced their concerns about his appointment.

Following Real's 4-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday, Solari said: "The important thing is to do what is necessary for the good of the team, everything else doesn't matter."

Real took advantage of league leaders Barcelona's surprise 4-3 home defeat to Real Betis earlier in the day to cut the gap to top spot to four points.

Karim Benzema and a Gustavo Cabral own goal gave Real a 2-0 lead at Balaidos before Hugo Mallo reduced the deficit.

Sergio Ramos, from the penalty spot, and substitute Dani Ceballos added late goals either side of a red card for Cabral, before Celta's Brais Mendez had the final word in stoppage time.

But Solari was upset with forceful Celta challenges, which often went unpunished.

Casemiro went off in the first 20 minutes and Gareth Bale and Alvaro Odriozla were also limping at the end after being clattered.

"Celta played very aggresively," Solari said.

"Casemiro had to come off, Gareth made a huge effort because the kick he received was causing him problems.

"Their challenges were at the limit of what's allowed and we suffered because of that." 

- Mirror