The bold changes brought by Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid are paying off | Football News



[ad_1]

By Michael Hincks

@ MichaelHincks

Isco and Gareth Bale are at the rendezvous while Zidane wins his first match at Real Madrid

Last updated: 3/16/19 20:02

Zinedine Zidane turned to familiar faces in her first match at the head of Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane turned to familiar faces in her first match at the head of Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane made some bold decisions as Real Madrid won their first match under French control. Michael Hincks examines the changes that have borne fruit in the 2-0 win over Celta Vigo.

There were striking similarities between the side that Zidane had left last summer and the one who was absent for the start of his second stint at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

In fact, there were only three changes compared to the starting lineup that beat Liverpool in the Champions League final last season, compared to five since the win against Real Valladolid last Sunday, which is the only one in the league. proved to be the last title match of Santiago Solari.

Real XI vs Liverpool: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo. Subs: Nacho, Basel, Asensio.

Real XI vs Celta Vigo: Navas, Odriozola, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos, Isco, Asensio, Benzema, Bale. Subs: Ceballos, Valverde, Mariano.

Isco and Marcelo were at the rendezvous. Isco made his league debut since the last match at the helm of Julen Lopetegui – the 5-1 defeat to Barcelona in October – while Marcelo only played his fourth start in 2019.

Zinedine Zidane was back in the pond of Real Madrid at Bernabeu

Zinedine Zidane was back in the pond of Real Madrid at Bernabeu

Meanwhile, Zidane's return to familiar faces also allowed Keylor Navas to take the lead over summer rookie Thibaut Courtois. After missing the victory over Valladolid due to injury, Gareth Bale returned to the game after a week in which his future at the club was compromised. Spotlight again.

Bale played a crucial role in the Real conquest for the third consecutive time in the Champions League last May. Despite two goals in the final against Liverpool, it is the fact that Zidane put him on the bench, which allowed the Welsh to admit that he could go in search of regular players. first team football. However, discussions about a move were somewhat shattered when Zidane finally left.

Gareth Bale scored Real Madrid's second goal at Bernabeu

Gareth Bale scored Real Madrid's second goal at Bernabeu

About 10 months later, an injury to 18-year-old winger Vinicius Jr. – who is expected to be out for the season – could have forced Zidane's hand to name Bale in his first lineup, but the 29-year-old has certainly proved itself at the first of his 11 auditions before the summer.

  • Goals: 1
  • Shots: 3
  • Key pbades: 1
  • Material: 3
  • Pbades: 43
  • Keys: 66

A few moments after hitting the bar with a scissors kick in the manner of Paolo Di Canio in the first half, Bale was back at the other end, attempting a slippery tackle and taking a kick from goal.

It was one of the three tackles he had made – more than any other Real player – and it was his tenacious determination in defense, as well as his goal well taken in the second half, which expressed his desire to play for a team that he has long been tied away from.

There will almost inevitably be talks with Zidane ahead, as reported by Bale agent Jonathan Barnett, but Saturday's display clearly indicated Bale's intentions at all words.

Isco scored for his first league start since October

Isco scored for his first league start since October

In the meantime, few will have celebrated Zidane's return so much that Isco, who played 36 games under the colors of the Frenchman last season, but was found 11 times in the starting lineup under the orders of Solari and Julen Lopetegui in the current campaign.

Isco was not even in the team while Real had capitulated to Ajax in the Champions League two weeks ago, but he was radiant even before the shot went off. since he faced Celta Vigo.

And the Spaniard duly thanked the manager for having trusted the first goal of the second period of Zidane by inspiring the center of Karim Benzema, while the young man of 26 years made three badists with precision overall of 97.2%. from 36 pbades.

Marcelo too, who had lost his place to Sergio Reguilon under Solari, showed his offensive prowess against Celta in trouble, bringing aid to Basel and sending six centers in total.

Keylor Navas was chosen in front of Thibaut Courtois in goal for Real Madrid by Zinedine Zidane

Keylor Navas was chosen in front of Thibaut Courtois in goal for Real Madrid by Zinedine Zidane

Even Navas took advantage of an exceptional moment in the goal for Real. Courtois followed the match as his rival, goalkeeper, made an impressive stoppage of a shot at close range up to Maxi Gomez 's head, in Celta' s sole effort.

The battle for No. 1 jersey will resume as the season draws to a close, while Zidane will have another 10 games to evaluate his team before thinking about the changes.

The performances of Bale, Isco and Marcelo in particular have left him much to ponder, and Zidane can only hope that his vigor will continue after the international break.

Play Super 6

Predict 6 good results for a chance to win £ 250,000.

[ad_2]
Source link