Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists “I had to let Cristiano Ronaldo rest” as “the team’s performance was very good” against Las Palmas.
Sergio Araujos late goal condemned Madrid to a second straight draw in La Liga as the game ended 2-2 on Sunday, but the result was overshadowed by Ronaldo’s apparent frustration when Karim Benzema scored, did not rush to celebrate with his teammates and was then substituted.
“What I least liked? The two goals we conceded,” the Coach said after the match.
“The team’s performance from the first to last minute was very good game.
“On Wednesday, the first half was difficult, but today we’ve played good football, we created many chances.
“We lacked concentration, even though we had the game under control.
“I didn’t like the two goals [conceded], but we won’t give up.
“We’ll go on from this, but I’m happy with the team’s performance.
“We have a game on Tuesday and I thought it was time to get [Cristiano] off.
“He always wants to play, but I have to think about the player. I had to let him rest and think about Tuesday.”
