Zinedine Zidane did not disappoint fans around the world in the start of his second stint as Real Madrid boss, as he led Los Blancos to a comfortable 2-0 win over Celta.
The French boss' comeback was highly anticipated by fans all over the world, and he delivered a top-caliber performance by his team by making some adjustments to what had happened in the past with the Spanish giants.
In return, his pupils tried to keep things simple and paid the coach's confidence with a solid outing, especially from those who returned to the starting lineup.
Zidane's XI against Celta included Keylor Navas, Alvaro Odriozola, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Marcelo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Isco and Karim Benzema. Zidane changed half the squad that played against Valladolid due to a number of reasons, but either way, the team stepped up to give their new boss a good start.
For example, Keylor Navas' performance under the sticks ended quite a disappointing run for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid have kept the first clean sheet in 10 matches in all competitions [since 3-Feb vs Alaves, 3-0).
— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) March 16, 2019
Marcelo also had a good game for Los Blancos, maybe the first good game for the Brazilian in the entire year, and here's why.
"Stat: Marcelo had not handed out a single La Liga assist in ten months (to Cristiano Ronaldo, vs Villarreal, during last season's last game).
#OJOALDATO - Marcelo no daba una asistencia en La Liga desde hacía 10 meses (a Cristiano Ronaldo, contra el Villarreal, en la última jornada de la pasada temporada).
— MisterChip (Alexis) (@2010MisterChip) March 16, 2019
One of Zidane's main problems was to bring Isco back to his level. Well, the player did not disappoint in his first start since the Lopetegui era.
Isco's game by numbers vs. Celta Vigo:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 16, 2019
97% pass accuracy
48 touches
4 shots
3 chances created
2 tackles
1 goal
Not bad for your first LaLiga start in five months. pic.twitter.com/4bgX3HNJD7
Last, but not least, Zidane's return to the Bernabeu ended one of the worst runs for the home team in its laureated history.
"Real Madrid ends a four-game losing streak as a host in all comps, which is level to the longest in Real Madrid's history".
#RealMadrid corta racha de cuatro derrotas como local en todas las competencias, que queda empatada como la más larga en la historia del club. pic.twitter.com/m0iXQCbliW
— ESPN Datos (@ESPNDatos) March 16, 2019