Liverpool would have played only one match in 20 days by next weekend and Zidaneopted for rhythm over rest, picking a strong team that could be close to his line-up in seven days’ time.
The Frenchman, however, has tended towards caution in Europe and it would be a surprise if Bale and Isco both started ahead of Lucas Vazquez, and even Marco Asensio, next weekend.
There was a debut in goal for Zidane’s son Luca, who joined Real’s academy when Zidane was playing for the club in 2004 and has been a regular presence in the squad this season.
Luca was born in May 1998, a month before his father inspired France to win the World Cup.
Bale opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a goal largely of his own making as he fooled Daniele Bonera by running over Modric’s pass, before driving into the bottom corner.
Ronaldo doubled the advantage before half-time, nodding home a nonchalant Marcelo cross from the outside of the Brazilian’s foot as Real strolled into the interval.
But Ronaldo and Modric trundled off and the game turned on a brilliant shot from Martinez, who jinked inside from the left and found the far top corner.
If Luca Zidane could have done little to stop that one, he might have done better with the equaliser as he rushed out to intercept a clipped ball over the top but failed to claim.
Castillejo touched it round his flailing opponent and clipped a sharp finish into the empty net.
Earlier in the day, Sevilla maintained their strong end to the season with a 1-0 win over Alaves. They finish seventh, below Real Betis, who slipped to a surprise 3-2 defeat at Leganes.
No comments:
Post a Comment