Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane plays down Cristiano Ronaldo injury

ByPA Sport

Updated 21/04/2016 at 07:48 GMT

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane sought to calm fears about Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness after the Portuguese was seen limping off the pitch before the end of Madrid's 3-0 win over Villarreal.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the match REUTERS/Juan Medina

Image credit: Reuters

Ronaldo came off moments before the final whistle after falling awkwardly, and Madrid had already used their three substitutions.

"He had a scare and that's why he left the pitch, he was worried and he wanted to know what had happened immediately, but in the end it's just a scare," Zidane told a press conference.

"He felt something right at the end, I can't say anything more about it but it was more of a scare than something serious."

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Ronaldo had played every minute of every league game this season and Zidane admitted the player could benefit from resting more.

"Once in a while he needs to be substituted and he needs to rest," he said.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane

Image credit: Reuters

"It's necessary for him not to finish one game or to miss one game occasionally. But he's a player who always wants to play and give everything he has. It's difficult for me at times. We'll see when he will return."

Goals from Karim Benzema and Lucas Vazquez either side of half-time put Madrid on their way to an eighth straight victory, and Luka Modric put an extra shine on the win by volleying in the third.

Ronaldo was unable to get on the scoresheet but Zidane defended his performance.

"He is more a team player than the fans think, he is working very well and defending a lot. Everyone recognises his work," he added.