ZINEDINE ZIDANE DENIED Real Madrid are over-reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo after they were held to a 1-1 derby draw against Atletico Madrid.
Ronaldo continued a phenomenal 2018 when he volleyed Madrid into a deserved 53rd-minute lead at the Santiago Bernabeu – his 40th goal in all competitions this season.
Atleti had rarely threatened up to that point but responded with gusto as Antoine Griezmann scored for the third consecutive season in this fixture and Keylor Navas saved impressively from Koke.
Zidane then raised eyebrows by making an apparently pre-planned substitution, as Karim Benzema came on for Ronaldo.
Although captain Sergio Ramos twice went close in stoppage time, Madrid were unable to force a winner and remain third – four points behind their neighbours in LaLiga.
“It was just to rest,” Zidane said, explaining Ronaldo’s withdrawal ahead of next week’s Champions League quarter-final meeting with Juventus.
“We have many games, that’s it. Sometimes he needs to rest.
“Cristiano is Cristiano, he has been this player all his life, scoring 50 goals a season.
“True, nobody else does that. But others can score, have done recently, and we must think about the positives.”
On reflection, Zidane felt the points being shared just about fell into that category.
“I am happy with the game,” he added. “We deserved more today, clearly.
“It is a pity as we had many chances. But we could also have lost the game.”
While I’ve been quick to say he hasn’t impressed me at all in some aspects of his play, no denying he has been a great addition. Carty can be up and down with form and fitness and, save a purple patch by Conor Fitzgerald in the middle of 19/20, has had to play when he could do with a break for physical and mental form. Like Carty was flogged last year when Hawkshaw and Fitz were injured, but there was no real alternative. Having someone of Hanrahan’s level there too is great, and I was delighted when he signed.
He also has strengths that you could question Carty can be weak on. While I critique JJ’s attack-manship, another side of that very coin could argue unlike Carty, who seems to put the whole weight and responsiblity of Connacht’s whole attack on his shoulders, JJ is great in trying to utilise playmakers in the centre and SH. As well as having some days where his boot is almost laser guided.
With all respect to himself and Carty though. Post 2025 Connacht need to have a new 10 making strides. Perhaps Harry West or Sean Naughton (who looks like a superstar) can step up? If not maybe look at the 4th or 5th choice in Leinster? Prendergast, Tector, etc.
@David Hickey: Where is Conor Fitzgerald?