Struggling Granada have sacked coach Fabriciano Gonzalez with the club just one point above the relegation places.

Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Espanyol and recent form forced the club's board of directors to make the decision.

The 56-year-old, also known as Fabri, led Granada back to the top-flight after a 35-year absence, winning consecutive promotions from the third and the second division.

"It has been decided to terminate the coach's contract, a painful decision for the board of directors," read a statement of the club's official website.

The defeat to Espanyol was their third in a row and their fifth in seven games.