MADRID (AFP) - Zinedine Zidane restored old favourites for his first game since being re-appointed coach of Real Madrid as Thibaut Courtois was dropped for Keylor Navas while Isco and Marcelo both returned.
Gareth Bale was also named in the starting line-up at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday as Madrid launched their new era under Zidane at home to Celta Vigo in La Liga.
Courtois was the biggest surprise, given he was bought by Madrid for around รข‚¬40 million (S$60 million) last summer and had established himself ahead of Navas under Santiago Solari.
But Navas was a key figure under Zidane, who had tried to dissuade the club from signing another goalkeeper while he was in charge.
Isco's recall was another show of intent given the Spaniard had not started a single league game under Solari, while Marcelo came back too, having lost his place at left-back to promising 22-year-old Sergio Reguilon.
Bale's selection suggests Zidane is at least prepared to offer the Welshman a chance to stake his claim.
Zidane lost faith in Bale last season, with the pair's relationship growing increasingly strained before Zidane announced his departure.
Madrid lie 12 points adrift of leaders Barcelona, who play away at Real Betis on Sunday.
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is confident Gonzalo Higuain can be the short-term solution to his side's need for goals and urged the Argentine to earn a permanent move to the Premier League.
Sarri challenges Higuain to earn permanent Chelsea deal
Jan 06, 2019 · The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well in this corner of south Wales. Newport County, 74 places below Leicester City on the league ladder, served up a giantkilling that will be talked about for
6 Things We Learned From a Pulsating Fourth Round in the FA
Leonardo Bonucci has backtracked on suggestions his Juventus team-mate Moise Kean was partly responsible for the racist abuse he received from Cagliari supporters by insisting he was
Moise Kean: Paul Pogba lends support to Juventus star
A revival of monumental proportions is the only hope we have to see the hearts and minds of multiplied millions turn to God. If it is the only hope—then with God, it is inevitable. A Third Great Awakening is upon us. God is allowing things to boil, bringing things to the surface so that He can deal with them.
Funny Dutch expressions - Stuff Dutch People Like
Football: Man City end Newport's Cup dream to reach quarter-finals Man City end Newport's Cup dream to reach quarter-finals. Soccer Football - FA Cup Fifth Round - Newport County AFC v
Football: Man City end Newport's Cup dream to reach quarter
Ronaldo could face ex-team United in ICC S'pore. Published. 2 hours ago. This year's ICC in Singapore is set to take place at the National Stadium over the July 19-21 weekend and will feature
Football: Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could face
Liverpool Opinion: Why the Reds must go all out for Donny van de Beek? According to last year's report from Football Oranje, Liverpool were one of the host of Europe's top clubs interested in
How Reds learned from Man City - and what Klopp said after
Marouane Fellaini leaves Manchester United for Chinese side
Ali on target as Qatar stun Japan to win first Asian Cup - Daily Times Almoez Ali scored with a spectacular overhead kick for a record ninth goal of the Asian Cup to set Qatar on their way to a first continental title with a stunning 3- 1 win over four-times champions Japan on Friday.
Ali on target as Qatar stun Japan to win first Asian Cup
Karim Benzema shot Real Madrid to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with the winner in a scrappy 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, while countryman Antoine Griezmann fired a brace in a 3-2
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona | Football News
Memphis Depay dazzled for the Netherlands with a brace and two assists as they cruised past Belarus 4-0 in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier on Thursday despite having to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men.
Depay fires Dutch past Belarus in Euro 2020 qualifying opener
0 comments:
Post a Comment