Zinedine Zidane

Ronaldo deserves respect - Zidane

Ronaldo has scored two goals in 10 league games and came in for criticism in the Spanish media for his display in Real's goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao last weekend which left the Liga champions eight points behind leaders Barcelona.

The 32-year-old is still expected to pick up the Ballon d'Or award on Friday (NZ time) for firing Real to Champions League glory last season, scoring hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the quarter and semifinals and a double in the 4-1 win over Juventus in the final.

Zidane not annoyed after shock Madrid draw

Madrid progressed to the last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate win but Zidane's men were forced to dig deep against the unheralded visitors in the second-leg fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

Fuenlabrada took a deserved 25th-minute lead thanks to Luis Milla's stunner in the Spanish capital – where Gareth Bale returned from injury – before a quick-fire brace from Borja Mayoral in the second half allayed fears around the stadium.

Zidane praises 'amazing' Ronaldo

Ronaldo beat Barcelona star Lionel Messi to the prize for the second straight year, having helped Madrid win LaLiga and the Champions League in 2017.

Zidane, who was named the Best FIFA Men's Coach, hailed the 32-year-old for his achievements.

"What can I say about him? He is the best and he's amazing at what he does," the Frenchman said.

"He is always looking to win titles, working very hard as he said. So we're very happy for him."

Zidane frustrated by Ronaldo's 'harsh' red card against Barca

Ronaldo produced a memorable cameo as Madrid defeated arch-rivals Barca 3-1 in the first leg of the Supercopa on Sunday.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner came off the bench and scored Madrid's second goal with 10 minutes remaining at Camp Nou before being booked for taking off his shirt in celebration.

Ronaldo was then shown a second yellow card for diving after going to ground under pressure from Samuel Umtiti two minutes later, much to the frustration of Madrid head coach Zidane.