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Zidane pleased with youngsters as Madrid ease crisis

Xinhua, March 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

Real Madrid may still be in crisis, but coach Zinedine Zidane can take heart from the performance of two youth team products who came to the rescue away to Levante on Wednesday night.

Real Madrid's 3-1 win away to the side bottom of the table was far from convincing and the third goal of the night came in injury time as Levante were pressing for an equalizing goal they fully deserved.

The 18-year-old Borja Majoral was responsible for the second goal as he shot was diverted into the Levante goal off the home keeper, giving Zidane something to celebrate.

"We know what he can give us and he is the team's second number nine, something we haven't had until now," said the Real Madrid coach, adding that the teenager was "young, committed and plays well, with confidence and personality."

Vazquez, who has been on the fringes since returning from a loan with Espanyol last season, also got some well-earned praise.

"We saw he is committed as well and we also know what he can do in attack. Today he also worked hard in defense and ended the game with cramp," said Zidane pleased with the effort Vazquez put in.

In the wake of last weekend's 1-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid, Real were out of the race for the BBVA Primera Liga title with two and a half months left in the season.

"What we have to do is run and show commitment. What we want is for everyone to make the maximum effort, but not just the youngsters, we want it from everyone," said Zidane, whose side's next game is at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday. Endit