Gareth Bale was absent as he continues to recover from a calf injury but Madrid hardly missed the Welshman, whose future has again been up for discussion this week after he was pictured returning to London.
Zidane said he has spoken to Bale and saw him in the changing room at the Santiago Bernabeu. He was also asked if Bale had permission to leave the game five minutes before full-time. "I think so," Zidane said. "If he leaves five minutes before the game finishes, he can get home more easily." Zidane had struck a conciliatory tone on Tuesday too but Bale's team-mates flourished in his absence, albeit against a limp Leganes side, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table after sacking their coach Mauricio Pellegrino last week. This was not a performance to recommend caretaker manager Luis Cembranos for the job long-term. Yet there were some impressive Madrid showings nonetheless, not least from Benzema, who has been Zidane's most consistent performer by far in recent months and now has seven goals already in all competitions. "It's not just the goal, it's what he does for the team," Zidane said. "He doesn't surprise me."
Rodrygo, the 18-year-old making only his fourth senior appearance, came into Bale's position on the right and, particularly in the first half, he shone, grabbing an early goal and providing the frightening turn of pace that Bale once offered before injuries took their toll.
"He is 18 but you don't have to be old to score here," Zidane said. "He has character and he is getting better and better." Perhaps the only question mark was Eden Hazard, who still appears short of his best in a Madrid shirt. There were glimpses of the Belgian's undeniable brilliance but moments of indecision too, that suggest he is finding his feet, and fitness, at his new club.