Zidane makes winning return to Real Madrid, Isco and Bale on target
By Peter Jenson,
Barcelona -By Peter Jenson, – Real Madrid marked Zinedine Zidane’s return to the dug-out at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.
In his first game back as Real Madrid coach, Zidane recalled Isco and the Spain midfielder got the first goal by turning in Karim Benzema’s cross on 62 minutes.
Gareth Bale made it 2-0 on 77 minutes after he received a Marcelo assist.
Madrid also had a Luka Modric goal chalked off when the referee Juan Martinez reviewed a replay pitchside and decided Raphael Varane had been offside and blocking goalkeeper Ruben Blanco’s view of the shot.
Zidane’s name was greeted with applause from all around the stadium when it was announced before kick-off and he turned back the clock with his team selection.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas, left-back Marcelo, and midfielders Isco, Marco Asensio and Bale were all recalled to the team.
Navas, replacing Thibaut Courtois, reminded supporters what he could do midway through the first half when he saved brilliantly from a Maxi Gomez header.
Isco and Bale would get the second half goals as Madrid dominated Celta Vigo. Bale also hit the bar in the first half with a shot from an Asensio cross.
Madrid substitute Dani Ceballos summed up the effect of the returning coach when he said: “The change of coach has worked, Zidane gave me the confidence by telling me to play my game and enjoy it.”
Zidane led Real to three consecutive Champions League titles 2016-2018 before quitting last year.
Celta coach Fran Escriba said: “We barely created chances. And when we did get into their half our final ball was off.”
Earlier Saturday Alaves beat Huesca 3-1. Later Athletic Bilbao face Atletico Madrid, and Leganes host Girona.
Real are third but nine points behind leaders Barcelona, who travel to Real Betis on Sunday.
Madrid also had a Luka Modric goal chalked off when the referee Juan Martinez reviewed a replay pitchside and decided Raphael Varane had been offside and blocking goalkeeper Ruben Blanco’s view of the shot.
Zidane’s name was greeted with applause from all around the stadium when it was announced before kick-off and he turned back the clock with his team selection.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas, left-back Marcelo, and midfielders Isco, Marco Asensio and Bale were all recalled to the team.
Navas, replacing Thibaut Courtois, reminded supporters what he could do midway through the first half when he saved brilliantly from a Maxi Gomez header.
Isco and Bale would get the second half goals as Madrid dominated Celta Vigo. Bale also hit the bar in the first half with a shot from an Asensio cross.
Madrid substitute Dani Ceballos summed up the effect of the returning coach when he said: “The change of coach has worked, Zidane gave me the confidence by telling me to play my game and enjoy it.”
Zidane led Real to three consecutive Champions League titles 2016-2018 before quitting last year.
Celta coach Fran Escriba said: “We barely created chances. And when we did get into their half our final ball was off.”
Earlier Saturday Alaves beat Huesca 3-1. Later Athletic Bilbao face Atletico Madrid, and Leganes host Girona.
Real are third but nine points behind leaders Barcelona, who travel to Real Betis on Sunday.