Madrid troubles mount as star plans to quit, Ronaldo fumes at substitution

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane [Photo: Courtesy]

Real Madrid drew 2-2 against Levante in the dying minutes of the game on Saturday evening, piling more misery on their campaign to catch up with runaway league leaders Barcelona.

Sergio Ramos and Isco scored goals for La Liga champions only for hosts to cancel the lead in the last moments of the game through Giampaolo Pazzini’s leveler.

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn for the first time in over seven months after staging a disappointing performance, after which Marcos Asensio stepped in form him.

However, Ronaldo was caught in a controversial moment with the journalists covering the match after he took a dig at the photographers.

While being trailed by the cameras after the substitution, the gutted Ronaldo lifted his finger to his mouth then pointed at the pitch. He signaled the photographer to concentrate on covering the match and stop snapping him.

[Photo: Courtesy]

Disappointment was written all over his face after rare below par performance that cost his team the maximum points away.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane rued their chances which they failed to convert to win the game.

“We controlled the game, especially the first half, but then after we scored the second goal, which was the most difficult, we were not able to avoid an equaliser," Zidane said.

"It is hard because they are two points that we were not able to get, but this is football and the opponent is there to get you in trouble.” He added as revealed by the Mirror.

Meanwhile, Spanish young star who replaced Ronaldo at the match versus Levante, Marcos Asensio has lifted the lid over his desire to depart the Santiago Bernabeau in the summer.

Asensio who starred for the Los Blancos in their Uefa Champions League final has made fewer starts this year and has been frustrated by the state of affairs.

Asensio has issued a warning that he may be compelled to seek a move away from the club if he misses World Cup and the Frenchman is retained as the Madrid coach next season.

The Spanish international is thirsty for regular starts and has been linked with a move to the premier clubs Chelsea and Manchester City.

English champions Chelsea have been reported to be interested in signing him as a potential replacement to Belgian star Eden Hazard. Hazard on the other hand has been touted to be pushing for a move to the Spanish capital to play under Zidedine Zidane. However, Spanish giants are said to be keen on holding on their young star who is considered to be having huge prospects.