Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has called for fans to be patient with forward Vinicius Junior following his return from injury.
The Brazilian was recalled to the side, following injuries to Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard, for the 2-0 win at home to Espanyol, after five weeks on the sidelines.
However some fans took to social media during the game to criticise his lack of goal threat, but Zidane is not concerned by his return to first team action.
"I was pleased with his performance," he told reporters from Diario AS after the game.
"But the important thing for him is not scoring goals, it is working hard in games."
"He has been working really hard and deserved a chance."
"He played as part of a front three with Rodrygo today, and I was really pleased with them both."
Vinicius caught the eye at the start of last season, with 3 goals in his first 13 games at the club in 2018-19, but injuries have hampered his progress in the last few months.
The former Flamengo man is expected to keep his place for next weekend's trip to Valencia, and could be called on for the El Clasico tie at the Camp Nou, if Bale and Hazard are both ruled out.
