By Pete Jenson for MailOnline
Published: 22:30 BST, 3 April 2019 | Updated: 22:36 BST, 3 April 2019
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Zinedine Zidane's second honeymoon is over. The returning coach dropped Gareth Bale and Isco for his most difficult game since taking over last month but Real Madrid were well beaten by Valencia.
Madrid limped unconvincingly past two relegation sides Celta Vigo and Huesca at home in Zidane’s first games back but this was a step up and Madrid stumbled and fell flat on Wednesday night.
Valencia pulled off the perfect first half smash and grab letting Real Madrid have 60 per cent of the possession but not allowing them any real chances and scoring just before half-time.
It was Goncalo Guedes who scored the goal playing a one-two with Carlos Soler and then, with very little back-lift, finishing right-footed past Keylor Navas through a gap left at the keeper’s near post.
Zidane had perhaps revealed his hand with his team selection for the first time since his return.
This was a game that Madrid had to win for reputation’s sake – the Mestalla
