Manager Zinedine Zidane subbed off Cristiano Ronaldo in the 62nd minute of the Madrid Derby Sunday in order to keep his star player fresh for the crucial Champions League return leg against Juventus on Wednesday.
One sight you don’t get to see too often: Ronaldo getting subbed off early in the second half in the Madrid Derby, when the match is delicately poised at 1-1.
But Zidane just did that. He took Ronaldo off for Karim Benzema, which looked like a pre-meditated decision, as there was no expression of shock or angst from Ronaldo.
Zinedine Zidane on Cristiano’s substitution: “We’ve got a lot of games and sometimes he has to rest. He’s smart, there are times you have to rest. He needs it nowadays and it always does him good, you can see that.” #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/8etjbxHpVk
— TheCristianoFan 🇵🇹 (@TheCristianoFan) April 8, 2018
It clearly shows the priorities of both Zidane and Ronaldo. While Ronaldo started and was given a chance to continue his scoring run in a crucial match, and create as much impact as possible, he was not to be risked by playing full 90 minutes.
While Madrid has a handsome lead against Juventus, and precious away goals, the tie is still not finished. Both Zidane and Ronaldo realize and consequently agree on his playing time for this match.
I doubt whether Madridistas should complain. While Atletico is a bitter rival, and this derby evokes a few emotions, Madridistas too care most about winning trophies. And Champions League is the only major trophy Real Madrid can potentially win this season.
A shout out to those who claimed that Ronaldo only cares about individual awards, namely the Pichichi. He just proved today what he really cares about, not that he needs to prove anything to anyone anymore.
Ronaldo continues his prolific goal-scoring
The ‘El Bicho’ mode is on and has seemingly become the default mode now. Cristiano Ronaldo has an unparalleled record in 2018, nobody else from any league comes close. He seems to be scoring for fun, and his record in all big matches in 2018 is immense.
He opened the scoring Sunday with a poacher’s finish, masterful positioning ,and placement. The touch on the half-volley was perfect, as was his movement to maneuver away from his marker.
Having said that, he could have had a couple more goals in this match. He hit the cross-bar, closely missed on a cross and in one instance, the ball just bounced off him to Oblak’s waiting hands. He did have a few half-chances and could have converted at least one more.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 650 career goals.
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) April 8, 2018
🇪🇸⚽ Real Madrid: 446
🏴⚽ Man Utd: 118
🇵🇹⚽ Lisbon: 5
🇵🇹⚽ Portugal: 81
Insane numbers. 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/I3JNHOsx0M
Real Madrid was the better side in the match while Ronaldo was on the pitch. Once he was substituted, there was a glaring difference in attack. One can’t help but feel that had Ronaldo been on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, he could have nicked in another goal. He looked most likely to do that. Real Madrid missed that ruthless finishing efficiency when he was on the bench.
Next: Real Madrid 1 - Atletico 1: Match recap
Which makes you wonder is how will it ever be possible to replace him when he finally hangs up his boots? Who could possibly replace him?
Is there a player in world football right now who has the potential to fill in his large shoes? Hopefully that time is far, far away for Madrid, but they better start planning for the same now.