Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane claims Cristiano Ronaldo “closed the debate” over the world’s best player with his hat-trick in Saturday’s Derbi against Atletico.
Ronaldo played as a No 9 at the Vicente Calderon, with Madrid having switched to a new-look 4-4-2 formation, and went on to hit a treble in a 3-0 victory over Atleti just two months before the Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Men’s Player were decided.
“I don’t know if it was the best, but it was a huge game away to tough opponents, we read the game very well and we went in strongly,” the Coach said after the game.
“I’m happy with what we did, it’s not easy and there will be few teams that win here 0-3.
“The first 45 minutes were phenomenal, then we suffered a little bit at the restart, which is logical, but after those 10 minutes, we went on without losing balls and with the necessary intensity against opponents who always make it difficult at this stadium.
“Isco-Casemiro problem? It’s not a problem. I’ll stick with our game and how the players didn’t lose any balls.
“This position behind Cristiano is the best [for Isco]. I’m happy with everyone’s performance, they defended together and played with good energy.
“Our approach was the same as always. We knew we had to play, and from the beginning we were focused and had intensity.
“With the quality we have, I’m not worried. I saw from the first minute that the team were plugged in.
“The system with Lucas [Vazquez] on the right was a little 4-4-2, but that doesn’t matter much, rather what each player gives of themselves.
“Blow to the League? No, I’m happy with us, I’ll leave it at that.
“We’ve only won one game and there will be difficulties until the end of the season, with complicated matches coming up in the Champions League. It’s difficult to beat any team.
“Ramos? He didn’t seem 100 percent, and I’m in favour of not risking the players. Lucas is important and today he had to play, he was phenomenal like everyone else.
“Ronaldo as a No 9? It’s not definite. He was comfortable there, we know this, but we’ll see in every game.
“A must-win? I don’t know if we needed to win, but it’s important because not many teams will win here.
“Before the game, it was 50-50 and we started it very well. Maybe 0-3 is a bit harsh on our opponents, but we did very well. We read the game very well, with Ronaldo and our work.
“Midfield battle? It’s very important, with Mateo and Luka, Isco more so, they gave us a lot.
“Tonight was what it was, but we’ll see in other games. We try to play good football and win.
“Ronaldo near the Ballon d’Or? I never had any doubts that Cristiano was the best and now he has closed the debate.”
