Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) given night off by Real Madrid as PSG trip looms

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for Tuesday’s visit to Espanyol in La Liga.

The Portuguese forward was not named in the Spanish and European champions’ squad for the trip to Catalonia ahead of next week’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Paris St Germain.

Real’s top scorer in La Liga this season with 14 goals from 20 appearances, Ronaldo is in prolific form, netting 12 times in his last seven games in all competitions.

Club captain Sergio Ramos returns after missing Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Alaves, but midfielder Casemiro has been ruled out with a stomach problem.

Real sit third in the table on 51 points, seven behind city rivals Atletico Madrid and 14 adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Zinedine Zidane hopes Neymar overcomes injury to face Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is hoping Paris St Germain forward Neymar recovers from injury for the return leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on March 6.

The world’s most expensive player was seen crying as he was carried off towards the end of PSG’s 3-0 win over Olympique de Marseille on Sunday, meaning his side had to play the remainder of the game with 10 men as they had used all three substitutes.

PSG coach Unai Emery said he wanted to be optimistic that his 222-million euro ($273 million) signing would be available to face Real as the French league leaders bid to overcome a 3-1 deficit to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

“I don’t like to see players get injured and I hope he can be back for the game, I never want a player to miss a game due to injury,” Zidane told a news conference ahead of his side’s Liga game against Espanyol on Tuesday.

“I don’t think it (the injury) will have a big influence on the game, as there will always be someone who can play instead of him. I was watching the game and I was sad when he (Neymar) got injured.”

Neymar posted a picture of his heavily bandaged ankle on Instagram on Monday but did not comment on the extend of the injury.

The Brazilian has scored 28 times and provided 16 assists for PSG this season, although he gave a disappointing display against Real at the Bernabeu two weeks ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo praised for selfless gesture to embattled Karim Benzema

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his double show of solidarity with Karim Benzema after the Portuguese allowed the Frenchman to take a penalty in the 4-0 win over Alaves on Saturday and asked fans to show him respect.

Benzema has been one of the main scapegoats for Real’s inconsistent campaign and has felt the wrath of the highly critical Santiago Bernabeu faithful on several occasions this season for his wastefulness in front of goal.

Benzema set up Ronaldo’s opening goal against Alaves with a stylish backheel and the first thing Real’s all-time top scorer did after finding the net was to point towards Benzema, appearing to ask the supporters to show him more respect.

Ronaldo scored Real’s third goal after Gareth Bale had struck the second — also created by a pass from Benzema — and the Portuguese had a chance to bag a hat-trick when his side were awarded a late penalty.

Instead Ronaldo presented the spot-kick to Benzema, who rounded off the scoring.

“I’m very happy with Ronaldo’s gesture. This is a team game and it was a wonderful gesture. Karim played very well and he deserved to score as he contributed so much in our build-up play,” Zidane told a news conference.

“Benzema plays under a lot of pressure but he handles it very well, and I’m delighted with how he played and that he scored. You should always count on Benzema and in the biggest games he always demonstrated what a great player he is.”

Benzema had snapped a run of nearly three months without a league goal by scoring against Real Betis last weekend and although he squandered a couple of chances he was one of Real’s best performers in what was a fifth consecutive win in all competitions for Zidane’s side.

“Cristiano showed true team spirit with Karim, who really deserved a goal. I’m delighted for Karim because he’s a phenomenal player,” added Real winger Lucas Vazquez.

Five-times world player of the year Ronaldo has not always had a reputation for humility but goalkeeper Keylor Navas said the Portuguese’s treatment of Benzema was befitting of his character.

“None of us were surprised by Cristiano’s gesture because we know what type of person he is,” Navas said.

“At times like this everyone needs the support of the group and Cristiano has shown everyone what we are like in the dressing room.”