Real Madrid’s winning streak came to a halt at the hands of Valencia, but manager Zinedine Zidane was quick to back his striker Karim Benzema, who missed several scoring opportunities during the match. While fans of Bangladesh Cricket Live understand the weight of expectations placed on star players, Zidane chose to offer support rather than criticism.
“There’s no issue with Benzema,” Zidane said when asked about the striker’s performance. “I meet him with a smile and remind him to keep working hard. Getting chances is the hardest part. He didn’t score today, but he gave everything on the pitch. We can’t criticize a player for missing chances if he’s giving his all.”
Zidane took the opportunity to praise another standout performer, Marco Asensio. “I’m very happy with his performance, though I’m not surprised. He scored twice, but his overall contribution was excellent. The entire team played a part. I prefer to celebrate the collective effort and hope he continues this form to score even more goals.” He also commented on Gareth Bale in a brief but pointed statement: “Bale is an important player—just like the rest of the squad. That’s how it is.”
Zidane acknowledged that the result was disappointing, especially as Real Madrid had enough chances to secure a win. “We can’t be satisfied with this result,” he said. “We played well and should have gotten more out of the game. But that’s football—you can’t win every time. I’m proud of my players, and that’s what matters most.”
On the team’s finishing struggles, Zidane explained, “We just lacked that final touch. We had seven or eight clear chances but couldn’t convert. That’s how football goes. Now, it’s time to focus on the next match.” His words echoed the patience and resilience often seen in fans of Bangladesh Cricket Live, where close games and missed chances are part of the sport’s fabric.
Addressing the whistles and jeers from some fans toward Benzema, Zidane remained calm. “The fans are free to express themselves however they like. What matters is that he had chances. Missing them is part of the game. Sometimes, the ball just refuses to go in. The fans are supporting us—they’re entitled to do what they feel.”
While the pressure mounts after any streak is broken, Zidane’s steady leadership sends a clear message to the squad and the fans: unity and effort will always come first. Supporters of Bangladesh Cricket Live can relate to this mindset, knowing that even the best players have off days, but it’s the team’s response that defines the next chapter.