Cristiano Ronaldo demanded teammate was dropped for 5-0 win over Sevilla

It worked, to be fair.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly spoke to Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane during the week and demanded that he drop Isco for Madrid’s 5-0 win over Sevilla this weekend, according to Diario Gol. 

Ronaldo was awarded his fifth career Ballon d’Or award on Thursday, but has struggled to find the net so far this season, having only netted four times in the league; by his standards, a poor start.

Isco made the third forward position in the starting line up his own in the latter half of last season in the absence of Gareth Bale. However performances this season have not lived up to the highs of the previous double-winning campaign.

It is believed that the diminutive Spaniard’s relationship with Ronaldo has deteriorated, with Ronaldo believing that play passes him by when Isco is on the pitch. And Ronaldo is not one to be content with allowing others to steal the limelight.

So, Zidane did indeed drop Isco in favour of wonderkid Asensio, and it seemed to do the trick as Madrid cruised to a five-goal lead within the first half, Ronaldo bagging two goals.

It’s safe to say many fans were pleased that Zidane took his star player’s advice.

Definitely a superb decision from Zidane to leave Isco out. Hopefully he doesn’t play all match. Isco hasn’t looked good at all for the last four games, Asensio comes in, and produces immediately. Golden boy.

— Muddassir Hussain (@muddassirjourno) December 9, 2017

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