Ronaldo backs Zidane after first defeat as Real coach

Cristiano Ronaldo gave Zinedine Zidane a ringing endorsement as Real Madrid coach after their 1-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the city derby at the Bernabeu on Saturday. “He’s doing a phenomenal job,” Ronaldo told reporters. Real are nine points behind leaders Barcelona, who host Sevilla on Sunday, with 12 matches to go in La Liga, while Atletico consolidated second place five points off the pace.