Ronaldo `rests' as Real take late blow

LIGA UPDATE - Ronaldo `rests' as Real take late blow

With Europe In Mind, Zidane's Decision To Substitute Forward Backfires In Las Palmas Draw

A substituted Cristiano Ronal do cut a disconsolate figure as Real Mad rid conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 at Las Palmas.

Ronaldo was replaced moments after helping Madrid go 2-1in front when Karim Benzema slotted home the rebound after the Portuguese's initial effort was saved However, he watched on as Sergio Araujo took advantage of some soft Madrid defending to level as the European champions dropped points for the second time in four days. Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insisted that, despite a sub-par display , Ronaldo had been replaced to keep him fresh for Tuesday's Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund.

Madrid pressed high from the off and had 17 shots in a wide open first 45 minutes. Real made the breakthrough just after the half-hour mark when Javi Varas made a fine save from Nacho's low effort, but Marco Asensio followed up to head into an empty net. The lead lasted just five minutes, though, as Raphael Varane's poor defensive header fell at the feet of Tana, who slotted past the helpless Kiko Casilla. Varas denied Ronaldo midway through the second half, but substitute Benzema was on hand to turn home the loose ball.

Ronaldo was then replaced by Lucas Vazquez, but didn't acknowledge Zidane as he sulked off the field. He has now completed the 90 minutes just once in Madrid's six La Liga games.

Cristiano has to deal with it: Zizou Madrid:

Zidane insisted Ronaldo has to learn to live with being substituted.

“That isn't going to change what we are going to do continue to do.“

At the forefront of Zidane's mind was Real's huge Champions League clash away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday .However, Ronaldo endured a poor night in front of goal as he fluffed a great chance from Alvaro Morata's cut-back before half-time and fired straight at Javi Varas in the build-up to Madrid's second goal.

“We have a game on Tuesday and I thought it was the time to take him off, 20 minutes from the end, thinking about Tuesday ,“ added Zidane. Ronaldo has completed 90 minutes just twice this season, though, as he was also replaced early on his return from a knee ligament injury against Osasuna earlier this month and missed last weekend's win at Espanyol due to illness.

Real's lead over Barcelona at the top of the table now stands at a solitary point having failed to bounce back from a 1-1 draw with Villarreal on Wednesday that snapped a 16-game winning streak in La Liga.

Of most concern for Madrid is their leaky defence as they have now kept just one clean sheet in their last six games.

“Sometimes there are games like this where you have the chances to win and you don't take them,“ continued Zidane.

“I think there is a lack of concentration in the second goal. I have to analyse it, but I am not going to complain. Playing like this for 90 minutes we will be at the top of the league I have no doubt.“

(TOI)