Zidane returns, so does Keylor Navas

Keylor Navas was a key figure under Zidane, who had tried to dissuade Real Madrid from signing another goalkeeper while he was in charge.

Published : Mar 16, 2019 21:31 IST

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas had lost his place in the starting line-up since Thibaut Courtois' arrival.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas had lost his place in the starting line-up since Thibaut Courtois' arrival.
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Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas had lost his place in the starting line-up since Thibaut Courtois' arrival.

Zinedine Zidane restored old favourites for his first game since being re-appointed coach of Real Madrid as Keylor Navas replaced Thibaut Courtois while Isco and Marcelo both returned.

Gareth Bale was also named in the starting line-up at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday as Madrid launched its new era under Zidane at home to Celta Vigo in La Liga.

Courtois was the biggest surprise, given he was bought by Madrid for around 40 million euros ($45 million) last summer and had established himself ahead of Navas under Santiago Solari. But Navas was a key figure under Zidane, who had tried to dissuade the club from signing another goalkeeper while he was in charge.

The Costa Rican goalkeeper is contracted with Madrid until 2021 and has won three Champions League trophies and one La Liga title during his five years with the club. Since Courtois' arrival at the start of the season, Navas has seen lesser first team opportunities. He was not selected for the Club World Cup and Courtois took over after the first three Champions League games of the season. Under Zidane, that could change.

Isco's recall was another show of intent given the Spaniard had not started a single league game under Solari, while Marcelo came back too, having lost his place at left-back to promising 22-year-old Sergio Reguilon.

Bale's selection suggests Zidane is at least prepared to offer the Welshman a chance to stake his claim. Zidane lost faith in Bale last season, with the pair's relationship growing increasingly strained before Zidane announced his departure.

Madrid lies 12 points adrift of leader Barcelona, which play away at Real Betis on Sunday.

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