Cristiano Ronaldo was on his best behaviour and showing no signs of Saturday’s strop as Real Madrid trained at Signal Iduna Park ahead of their clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Los Merengues meet Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday night looking for their first win in three matches.
All eyes will be on Madrid forward Ronaldo in Germany after a dramatic weekend in La Liga.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 72nd minute of Madrid’s clash with Las Palmas on Saturday.
He was visibly disappointed as he left the field, refusing to make eye contact with Zidane as he made his way to the bench.
However, the 31-year-old appeared to be in good spirits in training on Monday, clearly smiling and laughing during a session overseen by Zidane.
Zidane’s decision to replace his star man against Las Palmas backfired as the Spanish minnows netted an 85th minute equaliser to ensure Madrid dropped points for a second game running.
The Frenchman played down suggestions of a rift at a press conference on Monday, insisting Ronaldo was rested in order to keep him fresh for the match against Dortmund.
“Everything is normal. Cristiano wasn’t the only one angry after the game but it’s over now and we are thinking about tomorrow’s game,” the 44-year-old said.
“I understand the level of attention it received but it is what it is. I took the decision in the best (interests) of the player and that’s not going to change anything.
“We have spoken about it. I’m not dumb and he’s intelligent. We all have the same objectives, the two of us and the rest of the team.”
Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel refuted claims Ronaldo is in poor form after two games without a goal.
“You cannot declare that Cristiano Ronaldo is not on form, full stop,” Tuchel said.
“Who said Cristiano is out of form? And what does that mean? I can’t give a concrete answer but Cristiano is one of the best players in the world. He is an incredible player, a born winner.”
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