- Zidane believes Ronaldo is vital to Real Madrid success this season
- Ronaldo played 64 minutes against Atletico Madrid and scored a goal
- Real Madrid will be hoping to finish the tie against Juventus in Madrid
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has stated that resting Cristiano Ronaldo is key to their campaign in the Champion League this season.
The Real talisman was substituted in the 64th minute for Karim Benzema in the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid after scoring 11 minutes earlier.
Though Los Blancos have gone 15 points behind Barcelona and are fourth in La Liga but they are in firm contention for another Champions League success this season.
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Ronaldo's goal in the Madrid derby makes it his 24th in his last 13 matches across all competitions, and the 10th consecutive match in which he has scored.
The Madrid ace has been substituted by Zidane in five games since the mid-season break, with the coach convinced he needs to keep the aging forward in good condition for the defence of their Champions League title.
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Ronaldo's two goals, including a spectacular scissor kick with an assist, helped Madrid earn a 3-0 first leg lead over Juventus and the veteran will look to benefit from his extra rest in Italy this week to send his side through to the semi-finals.
The Santiago Bernabeu club are dependent on Ronaldo's goals and Zidane has taken to resting him completely in some league games, leaving him out of trips to Leganes, Espanyol and Las Palmas recently.
Zidane in recent comments said he would love to extend his contract in the with the Spanish giants at the end of the season and a successful Champions League defence will guarantee his stay at the club.
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Source: Naija.ng