Zinedine Zidane admits “I don’t know how Karim Benzema got out” of being cornered for Real Madrid’s goal in their 2-1 defeat to Atletico on Wednesday.
Benzema somehow got away from three Atleti players near the left-hand corner flag, before keeping the ball in play and teeing up Isco for the goal that ultimately ended Atleti’s hopes of a comeback in the Champions League semi-finals.
“We’re very happy to reach another final, it’s to everyone’s credit, especially the players,” the Coach told BeIN Sports after the game.
“It’s deserved, no more than that. Now we’re in the final, we’re going to have time to prepare it, but we’re happy for what we’ve done.
“We had difficulties at the start of the game, for the first 20 or 25 minutes, but we didn’t have to worry because we were going to have chances.
“In the second half we played better, with Isco and Karim between the lines.
“Benzema? I don’t know how Benzema got out of there [referring to his role in Isco’s goal].
“Football’s not only about scoring. I’m happy with his performance.
“He lacked a goal and had chances, but we can be happy with everyone’s performance.
“Distribution of minutes? I don’t know if [the players] are happy, certainly the players that play less would like to play more.
“I understand that, but in the end it’s the job of the Coach and I have to pick [the team].
“Everyone’s important in my head, they’re world class players. They can all be starters, even those that don’t play.
“They’re plugged in and believe in what we’re doing.”
