Real Madrid eased pressure from the under-fire manager thanks to a 4-1 victory against Valencia at the La Mestella with Ronaldo bagging a brace. The pressure was eased from Zidane as Real Madrid finally returned to winning ways after week of intense speculation linking the French Boss to a possible sack after the shock exit from the Copa del Rey as a result of home loss to Leganes. The win brought the Los Blancos side within two point of third placed Valencia and the manager was quick to praise the heroics of players in securing the three points from a difficult place like La Mestella. Real Madrid raced into the a two goal lead thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo with the Portuguese converting from the spot twice before the interval, Santi Mina handed the hosts a lifeline in the second half but Madrid displayed a fine performance to secure all three points with late goals from Marcelo and Toni Kroos to get there first away win in La Liga since October.
Zidane Expressed delight with the way his side put the event of the Copa del Rey behind with a dominant response and will be hoping the display serves as a yardstick for future performance by the Spanish outfit. The Frenchman also hailed the tactical approach his side took into the game with the manager bring to a fact that a win of their outstanding match could see the Los Blancos side overtake Valencia in the league standings. When asked about the Benzema display of frustration when substituted in the game, the Frenchman was quick to calm the tension by responding that every footballer have a right to react when such decision are made but the most important things remains the result of the matches. Navas advocated for consistency and never die attitude towards the La Liga title as the shoot stopper believes the club still have what it takes to take the chase.
The Win brought Real Madrid to two points of Valencia and most importantly eased pressure on Madrid boss Zidane who will be hoping for consistency as Real Madrid prepare to host PSG by February.
SOURCE: Goal