Football
Adriana Garcia 7y

Zidane on Keylor Navas: Real Madrid went on 40-game streak with him

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is satisfied with Keylor Navas this season and has defended the Costa Rica international from recent criticism over his performances.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper came under scrutiny for conceding two late goals during Real's 2-1 defeat at Sevilla on Sunday, a result that ended the team's record 40-games unbeaten run in all competitions.

Marca stated that Navas should have done better in both goals, a Sergio Ramos' own goal and Stevan Jovetic's well struck shot into the middle of the goal.

Speaking ahead of his team's Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg at home to Celta Vigo on Wednesday, Zidane said in a news conference: "I see Keylor doing very well. Keylor's season has been very good.

"We went 40 games without losing and he was there."

Navas kept 22 clean sheets in 45 games in all competitions for Real last season before undergoing surgery on his left Achilles tendon in the summer.

The former Levante player has struggled to find his best form this season, starting in 18 games but keeping just four clean sheets.

Looking ahead to Real's midweek game, Zidane does not believe Sunday's loss, his team's first in nine months, will affect his side.

"It's not going to change anything," he said. "But I do ask our fans to stand by the team. To lose a game doesn't change anything.

"But we need to work harder and make sure it doesn't happen again."

Zidane kept his cards close to his chest and did not reveal if Cristiano Ronaldo would start against Celta or rest him in view of Saturday's home game against Malaga.

The Portuguese star did not feature in Real's 3-3 draw at Sevilla in last Thursday's Copa del Rey round-of-16 second leg but started on Sunday.

"We are playing every three days until March," Zidane said. "We will see tomorrow who plays."

Zidane expects a difficult game on Wednesday against a Celta side that eliminated Valencia 6-2 on aggregate in their previous Copa del Rey tie and that are eighth in La Liga.

"I'm not surprised by what they do," Zidane said. "They have a very good team that plays well.

"We know it's going to be a complicated game and we need to start the game as we know how."

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