MADRID, Spain (AP):

REAL MADRID have fired Bernd Schuster and immediately installed Juande Ramos as his replacement just two days after the German coach said it would be "impossible" for the defending Spanish champions to win against Barcelona on Saturday.

The 49-year-old Schuster was let go only six months after guiding the Spanish powerhouse to their record 31st league title.

Fifth place Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by nine points going into Saturday's "clasico" derby. Schuster said Sunday after a 4-3 home defeat to Sevilla that Madrid "would try to play a good game" but that this was Barcelona's season.

Former Tottenham and Sevilla coach Ramos, who takes over for the remainder of the season, said Madrid should always be seeking victory.