Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has shrugged off criticism of Karim Benzema ahead of Saturday's FIFA Club World Cup final and says he will defend his striker "to the death". He's a different player, he's not going to score 50 or 60 goals a season, but he does other things. Zidane admits victory over Gremio would be good for momentum, but insists El Clasico is currently far from their thoughts. Zidane also dismissed suggestions Real are favourites to beat Gremio, saying the final is "50-50". They're the favourites, of course, because they've got great players and the best player in the world (Cristiano Ronaldo).

Source: Evening echo December 15, 2017 18:45 UTC