Zidane Attends Madrid’s Champions League Victory and Highlights a Rising Star and it’s NOT MBAPPE

Zinedine Zidane was in attendance at the Santiago Bernabéu yesterday as Real Madrid faced off against Manchester City in the Champions League, witnessing a dominant performance that saw the Spanish giants secure their place in the Round of 16. The match, which had been highly anticipated, turned into a one-sided affair as Kylian Mbappe stole the show with a stunning hat-trick, ensuring a comfortable victory for Madrid against the reigning European champions.

From the very first whistle, Madrid imposed their authority on the game, pressing high and dictating the tempo. City, known for their tactical discipline and attacking prowess, struggled to cope with the intensity of the home side. Mbappe was at the heart of it all, displaying his blistering pace, technical brilliance, and clinical finishing to dismantle Pep Guardiola’s defense. Each of his goals showcased a different aspect of his immense talent—a delicate chip over the goalkeeper, a powerful strike from the edge of the box, and a composed finish after weaving through defenders.

However, while Mbappe’s performance grabbed headlines, Zidane was particularly impressed by another player on the pitch. After the match, the legendary former Madrid coach singled out Raúl Asencio for his exceptional display against City, praising the young defender for his composure, awareness, and ability to neutralize some of the most dangerous attacking players in world football.

“Raúl Asencio was a joy to watch, he was everywhere, Real Madrid has a gem at hand, and he will do well,” Zidane remarked after the game, making it clear that he sees immense potential in the defender. His words echoed the sentiments of many Madrid fans, who took to social media to express their admiration for Asencio’s rock-solid performance.

Despite the attacking firepower that City possesses, Asencio stood firm at the back, making crucial tackles, intercepting key passes, and ensuring that Madrid’s defensive structure remained intact throughout the 90 minutes. His ability to read the game, combined with his composure under pressure, frustrated City’s forwards and prevented them from finding any rhythm in attack. Time and again, Asencio positioned himself perfectly to cut off passing lanes, and his aerial dominance ensured that Madrid remained in control even when City attempted to find openings through set pieces.

Madrid supporters have long been accustomed to seeing world-class defenders in their ranks, but Asencio’s performance has sparked excitement about his future at the club. Many are already calling for him to be given a more prominent role in the squad, believing that his display against City is just a glimpse of what he is capable of achieving. With Zidane’s endorsement adding further weight to the growing hype around the young defender, expectations are set to rise as Madrid continues their Champions League campaign.

While Mbappe’s hat-trick ensured that Madrid’s attacking brilliance was on full display, it was Asencio’s resilience at the back that gave them the foundation to dominate a team as formidable as Manchester City. Zidane, having managed some of the greatest players in Madrid’s history, knows talent when he sees it, and his praise for Asencio could be the start of something special. If the young defender continues to perform at this level, he may soon find himself as an indispensable part of Madrid’s future, ensuring that the club remains at the pinnacle of European football for years to come.