Teenage right-back Achraf Hakimi makes his debut for the Real Madrid senior team on Sunday as he starts against Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The current Espanyol manager's second and final campaign at the Bernabeu coincided with an early season collapse that would see the champions eventually limp into sixth place, 17 points behind league winners Atletico Madrid and out of European contention.
Portuguese worldwide Cristiano Ronaldo provided the superb assist for the 25-year-old Spaniard who curled the ball at the far corner of the post.
Talking to the press, the Frenchman gave an update on Gareth Bale's health, Los Blancos' run of form and whether Cristiano Ronaldo would sign a contract extension with the club, Marca reports.
"We will see [how he is] on Sunday", said Zidane. "But here we do not like to take risks if a player has something small". He trains with Cristiano [Ronaldo] every day and he is learning from him.
"I am happy that he has renewed", he said. Keeping himself at bay, Zidane cleared himself by saying he will be the last one to get involved in such issues as the discussion is between the club and player.
As violent scenes marred the Catalan independence referendum in Espanyol's home city of Barcelona, Madrid fans waved Spanish flags and chanted "Viva Espana".
However, Zinedine Zidane will be without Marcelo and Theo Hernandez once again as the pair remain sidelined through injury.
The Madrid boss felt the Spain attacking midfielder was wise to praise Ronaldo as an example to follow as he continues to develop.
The big team news for Real Madrid was that there was a La Liga debut for 18-year-old Moroccan worldwide Achraf Hakimi, who was handed a start due to the absences of Dani Carvajal and Marcelo at the back.
RCD Espanyol: Gerard Moreno has been in fairly decent goalscoring form, and has formed a promising partnership with Leo Baptistao. However, Madrid have yet to win at the Bernabeu this season, and Espanyol have pulled off some impressive draws this season. With Gareth Bale a doubt as well, things will revolve around Ronaldo and he simply has to deliver - a situation in which he thrives.
British climber who died in Yosemite rock slide saved his wife's life
A Welsh climber killed by falling rock in Yosemite National Park this week reportedly died while trying to shield his wife. It was not clear whether the two victims were climbers or tourists at the site during the height of the climbing season.
