Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach was nothing shy of a master class, and the Zizou flag has been hoisted yet again.
There were a couple of scenarios that would take Real Madrid into the Round of 16 in this season’s edition of the UEFA Champions League, but it was a win that would provide the most comfort. Ask and you shall receive, that’s exactly what Zinedine Zidane did under the bright lights of the Alfredo Di Stefano.
Los Blancos have been poor in the Champions League this season, losing both meetings against Shaktar Donetsk is just the tip of the iceberg. In league play, they have given away penalties like an Oprah Winfrey show and dropped points to teams like Cadiz.
Heading into yesterday’s match against the German side, Madrid were on the verge of their first exit ever from the Champions League before the Round of 16. Yes, you read that right and read it again. Thankfully for Los Vikingos their record stays intact and is one no other team in the history of the competition can boast.
Prior to the final fixture of the group stage French-based outlet L’equipe reported that if Zidane didn’t progress to the R16, he would be shown the door. Even before that the tide seemed to be turning from fans, with social feeds pleading for the Argentinian manager Mauricio Pochettino to take the reigns.
When asked directly from the press about whether or not the fixture against Monchengladbach would serve as a trial he simply responded with “I don’t get involved in trials, what matters to me is the match and doing things well as a team.”
Say what you will about Zidane, whether it be his tactics or squad selection but yesterday’s performance is evidence that when it matters most he can get the best out of this team and find a way to win. Think back to the UCL just a few seasons ago, coming up against Paris Saint-Germain, when no one thought Madrid could do it, Zizou pulled a family of rabbits out of the hat.
After topping the group with an additional three points the Frenchman has tallied 150 wins, earning him the second most win in club history.
It must be noted that this season has been plagued with injuries thus far. Every few days the dreaded “Parte Medico de insert player of your choice here” is posted on the club’s official website. The situation with COVID-19 doesn’t make it any easier.
Yes, this squad is great and boasts talent but much of it is still very raw and when spread thin like in the case of Sergio Ramos’ absence this team can and will struggle. Zidane has done an incredible job for this club as a manager and will continue to put in 100% regardless of the factors that may be out of his control.
Simply put – put some RESPECT on his name.