Real Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw against Las Palmas and the major talking point about the draw was Ronaldo being substituted by Zidane in the 72nd minute. The Portuguese superstar was visibly unimpressed and was even spotted mouthing a foul-mouthed tirade sitting on the bench.
However, Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, refuted any suggestions of a rift. Speaking to reporters, Zidane said:
"Everything is normal. Cristiano wasn't the only one angry after the game but it's over now and we are thinking about tomorrow's game," the 44-year-old said.
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"I understand the level of attention it received but it is what it is. I took the decision in the best (interests) of the player and that's not going to change anything.
"We have spoken about it. I'm not dumb and he's intelligent. We all have the same objectives, the two of us and the rest of the team."
Real Madrid face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and the Bundesliga side’s manager Thomas Tuchel was wary of the threat posed by Real Madrid’s star man, insisting that talks about the Portuguese superstar’s form after just two games without a goal was unfounded:
"You cannot declare that Cristiano Ronaldo is not on form, full stop," Tuchel said.
"Who said Cristiano is out of form? And what does that mean? I can't give a concrete answer but Cristiano is one of the best players in the world. He is an incredible player, a born winner."
After a brilliant start to this season, Real Madrid have not been at their best dropping 4 points in their last 2 La Liga games and it will be interesting to see how they fare against one of the most exciting teams in the world in Tuesday’s marquee Champions League clash.
Borussia Dortmund’s Mikel Merino feels Aubameyang will fit well at Real Madrid
Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has long been touted as the next ‘galactico signing’. The Gabon international is believed to be interested in a move to Los Blancos and Aubameyang’s teammate, Mikel Merino, feels the striker would be a good fit for Madrid and will succeed at the club.
Speaking to Goal.com, he said:
Aubameyang is a bullet. I knew it [before I was converted into a defender], but when you have to defend against him as centre-back, you can feel it much more.”
“Not just because of his speed, but also for his good movements and his finishing. He's a top player. Would he fit at Real Madrid? The strikers there need to score and make a difference. He does it. He would fit, of course. He is doing what Real Madrid ask to do from their strikers. I don't know why he couldn't play there.”
It will be interesting to see how the in form Aubameyang will perform against his potential future club on Tuesday.
