Rafa Benitez arrives in Spain

Madrid - Rafa Benitez has arrived in Spain where he is expected to sign a contract to become Real Madrid's new coach.

Benitez was spotted leaving Madrid's airport Monday after arriving on a flight from Naples. Real Madrid's club vice president, Eduardo Fernandez, let slip on Saturday that Benitez will be Carlo Ancelotti's successor.

Madrid is pinning its hopes on Benitez leading the club to renewed success and overtaking archrival Barcelona in La Liga and in Europe.

The 55-year-old Madrid-born former defender, who spent part of his student days at the Spanish powerhouse's academy, began his coaching career with the club's youth squad.

Benitez guided Valencia to the Spanish league title in 2002 and 2004 and won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.