Sweeping changes as Zidane axes Courtois from first XI back at Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane made sweeping changes to the starting XI at Real Madrid in his first game back in charge at the Bernabeu, with summer signing Thibaut Courtois dropped to the bench.

The Belgian has endured a difficult season back in the Spanish capital since arriving from Chelsea and many have called for Keylor Navas to return to the side in his stead.

Given the money spent to sign the keeper president Florentino Perez was keen to keep faith in the 26-year-old, but Zidane has returned with the assurance of greater power than when he left last time around and has been quick to make his mark.

Elsewhere Marcelo has been brought straight back into the side having lost his place to youngster Sergio Reguilon, while Isco starts for the first time in two months and Gareth Bale is also back in the lineup.

The Welshman’s future at the club was thought to be thrown into even more doubt having intimated that he made need to leave before Zidane announced his decision to do the same last summer having previously fallen out of favour under the Frenchman.